Swink, Oklahoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Swink, Oklahoma
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Location of Swink, Oklahoma
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oklahoma |
| County | Choctaw |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.27 sq mi (0.69 km2) |
| • Land | 0.26 sq mi (0.68 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2) |
| Elevation | 482 ft (147 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 65 |
| • Density | 248.09/sq mi (95.74/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
74761
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| Area code(s) | 580 |
| FIPS code | 40-71950 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2629936 |
Swink is a small community in Choctaw County, Oklahoma, United States. It is called a census-designated place (CDP). This means it's an area that the government counts as a community for population studies, even though it doesn't have its own city government.
In 2020, about 65 people lived in Swink. It used to be a town, but it stopped being an official town on December 1, 2000.
Contents
History of Swink
A post office opened in Swink on August 14, 1902. At that time, this area was known as Indian Territory. The community was named after D.R. Swink, who was a local business owner.
When Swink was founded, it was part of the Choctaw Nation. This was a large area where the Choctaw people lived.
Historic Chief's House
Swink is home to a very old and important building. It's called the District Choctaw Chief's House. This house was built in 1837. It was the home of Thomas LeFlore, who was a leader of the Choctaw people.
This house is special because it's the oldest house in Oklahoma that is still in its original spot. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
Geography of Swink
Swink is located in the eastern part of Choctaw County, Oklahoma. U.S. Route 70 runs along the northern side of the community.
This highway can take you to other nearby towns. If you go west about 19 miles (31 km) (31 km), you'll reach Hugo. Hugo is the main town, or county seat, of Choctaw County. If you go east about 6 miles (10 km) (10 km), you'll get to Valliant.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the Swink community covers an area of about 0.23 square miles (0.6 km2). This entire area is land.
People of Swink
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 65 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2010, there were 66 people living in Swink. Most of the people were White (92.4%). A small number were Native American (1.5%) or from two or more races (6.1%). About 1.5% of the people were of Hispanic or Latino background.
The average age of people in Swink in 2010 was 54.5 years old. Many residents were 65 years or older (39.4%).
The Steamboat Heroine
Near Swink, an amazing discovery was made: the only steamboat wreck found in Oklahoma! This steamboat was named the Heroine. It sank in the Red River on May 7, 1838. It hit a hidden tree trunk under the water.
Over time, the Red River changed its path. In the early 1840s, the Heroine became buried in what turned into a pasture. But in the 1990s, during a flood, the river moved again. The Heroine reappeared in a riverbank!
From 2001 to 2008, the Oklahoma Historical Society and Texas A&M University worked together to dig up the steamboat. Parts of the boat and its machinery, along with other items found from the wreck, are now on display. You can see them at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.
See also
In Spanish: Swink (Oklahoma) para niños
