Tom, Oklahoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom
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Country | United States |
State | Oklahoma |
County | McCurtain |
Elevation | 371 ft (113 m) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
ZIP codes |
74740
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GNIS feature ID | 1101695 |
Tom is a small, quiet village in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, United States. It's called an "unincorporated area" because it doesn't have its own local government like a city does. Tom is located in the very southeastern part of Oklahoma. It's surrounded by the beautiful Ouachita National Forest.
In Tom, you can find a few important places. There are two churches, a food store, and a civic center. The village also has a park, a cafe, a fire station, and a small hardware store. Many homes are scattered throughout the area. However, Tom does not have a gas station, hotels, medical services, or a post office.
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Village History
This small village was named after an early settler. His name was Tom Stewart. A post office was first opened in Tom in the year 1916.
Fun Things to Do in Tom
If you like the outdoors, Tom is a great place to visit. There are several natural areas nearby for recreation.
Ward Lake Adventures
Just a few miles east of Tom, you'll find Ward Lake. This lake is quite large, covering about 251 acres. It's a good spot for enjoying nature.
Red Slough Wildlife Area
Further to the west is the Red Slough Wildlife Management Area. This huge area covers 5,814 acres. It's a special place for wildlife. Different groups work together to manage it. These groups include the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the U.S. Forest Service.
Fishing in the Red River
The Red River is a few miles south of Tom. Its waters are usually clear. This river is home to many kinds of fish. You can find giant alligator gar and different types of catfish. These include channel, blue, and flathead catfish. There are also various kinds of bass, such as striped, spotted, white, hybrid, and largemouth bass. However, it can be a bit tricky to get to the river.