Tamaha, Oklahoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tamaha, Oklahoma
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 Tamaha, Oklahoma
Location in Oklahoma
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oklahoma |
| County | Haskell |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6.45 sq mi (16.71 km2) |
| • Land | 6.43 sq mi (16.65 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.06 km2) |
| Elevation | 479 ft (146 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 152 |
| • Density | 23.65/sq mi (9.13/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
74462
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| Area code(s) | 539/918 |
| FIPS code | 40-72400 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2413365 |
Tamaha is a small town in Haskell County, Oklahoma, United States. In 2020, about 152 people lived there. The name "Tamaha" comes from the Choctaw language and means "town."
Contents
Where is Tamaha?
Tamaha is located right next to the Arkansas River. It is about 13 miles (21 km) northeast of Stigler. It is also about 6 miles (10 km) south of Vian.
The town covers an area of about 6.4 square miles (17 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a very small part being water.
A Look Back: Tamaha's History
Early Days as a River Landing
Tamaha started in the 1830s as a place where riverboats could stop along the Arkansas River. It was first called Pleasant Bluff. This name came from a nearby natural landmark.
The Civil War and the J. R. Williams
During the American Civil War, something important happened near Tamaha. On June 15, 1864, a Union army ship called the J. R. Williams was carrying supplies. It was attacked by Confederate soldiers led by Colonel Stand Watie. The ship was damaged and got stuck. The Confederates then captured it. Even today, some say the old, rusted parts of the ship can still be seen where it got stuck.
At that time, Tamaha was part of the Choctaw Nation.
Growth and Challenges
After the Civil War, the town slowly grew. Its name changed to Tamaha in 1884 when a post office opened there. By 1900, about 237 people lived in Tamaha. This number grew to 501 by 1920.
However, riverboat travel, which was very important for the town's businesses, stopped in 1912. Then, two big fires in 1919 and 1930 destroyed much of the town. Because of these problems, the number of people living in Tamaha dropped a lot. By 1930, only 202 people lived there. In 1960, the population was at its lowest, with only 80 residents. Many people moved to the nearby town of Stigler. The post office in Tamaha closed in 1954.
Tamaha Today
Today, Tamaha is a quiet place. Its main business comes from people visiting for vacations. They are often drawn to the nearby Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, a large lake. One important historical site still standing is the Tamaha Jail and Ferry Landing. This site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It helps us remember the town's past.
Population Changes Over Time
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 237 | — | |
| 1910 | 498 | 110.1% | |
| 1920 | 501 | 0.6% | |
| 1930 | 202 | −59.7% | |
| 1940 | 245 | 21.3% | |
| 1950 | 117 | −52.2% | |
| 1960 | 80 | −31.6% | |
| 1970 | 83 | 3.8% | |
| 1980 | 145 | 74.7% | |
| 1990 | 188 | 29.7% | |
| 2000 | 372 | 97.9% | |
| 2010 | 176 | −52.7% | |
| 2020 | 152 | −13.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In the year 2000, there were 198 people living in Tamaha. These people lived in 73 households, and 54 of these were families.
Most people in Tamaha were White (about 84%). About 8.5% were Native American. The rest were from two or more racial backgrounds.
The average age of people in Tamaha in 2000 was 44 years old. About a quarter of the population was under 18.
See also
In Spanish: Tamaha (Oklahoma) para niños
