Woodward, Oklahoma facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Woodward, Oklahoma
City
Main Street, c. 1910
Motto(s):  "Energy For Life"
Location of Woodward, Oklahoma
Woodward, Oklahoma Location in the United States
Country	United States
State	Oklahoma
County	Woodward
Government
• Type	City Manager Commission
Area
• Total	13.18 sq mi (34.13 km2)
• Land	13.12 sq mi (33.98 km2)
• Water	0.06 sq mi (0.15 km2)
Elevation	1,982 ft (604 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	12,133
• Density	924.63/sq mi (357.01/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes	73801-73802
Area code(s)	580
FIPS code	40-82150
GNIS feature ID	2412305
Website	cityofwoodward-ok.gov

Woodward is a city in Woodward County, Oklahoma, United States. It is the main city and the county seat of Woodward County. It is also the largest city in a nine-county area in Northwestern Oklahoma. In 2020, about 12,133 people lived there.

Long ago, the land was home to Native American tribes like the Kiowa, Comanche, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. European-American settlers started the town in 1887. They built a railroad to help ship cattle to markets. Woodward was an important stop on the Great Western Cattle Trail. It was a busy place for shipping cattle in the Oklahoma Territory.

Boiling Springs State Park is located east of the city. It is famous for its artesian springs, which look like they are boiling.

History of Woodward

Early Native American Life

For thousands of years, different groups of indigenous peoples lived along the North Canadian River. In the 1600s and 1700s, Plains tribes learned to use horses from Spanish settlers. This helped them hunt over much larger areas. Before the American Civil War, the Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes lived in this region.

Boiling Springs, near where Woodward is today, was a favorite camping spot for these tribes. A battle between the Kiowa and Cheyenne tribes happened nearby in 1838. Later, in 1868, the Kiowa and Comanche tribes also fought the United States Army in this area.

How Woodward Became a Town

In April 1887, a railroad company called the Southern Kansas Railway built tracks to the North Canadian River. Settlers then started the town of Woodward at this spot. No one is quite sure how the town got its name. It might have been named after Brinton W. Woodward, a railroad director, or Richard "Uncle Dick" Woodward, a local saddle-maker.

Woodward quickly became an important place for shipping goods. It supplied Fort Supply and was a major spot for loading cattle from the Cherokee Outlet to send them east. The Great Western Cattle Trail met the railroad right where Woodward grew. By 1893, Woodward had about 200 residents.

On September 16, 1893, a huge event called the Land Run of 1893 opened up the Cherokee Outlet for settlement. More than 50,000 people rushed into the area. Because of a surveying mistake, the government offices were built in a different spot than the railroad and post office. This led to two towns forming: East Woodward (also called Denver) and Woodward. Eventually, the railroad depot and government buildings were moved, and the two towns joined together. This is why Main Street in Woodward has a curve at Eighth Street!

In 1894, outlaws Bill Doolin and Bill Dalton robbed the railroad station in Woodward.

Woodward was known as one of the biggest cattle shipping points in Oklahoma Territory. Cowboys from large ranches often rode through town. Some of these cowboys later helped create the sport of rodeo.

Around 1901, the open range for cattle ended as more settlers arrived. Farmers with wagons full of corn, cotton, and sorghum crops soon replaced the cowboys.

In 1907, a famous speaker named William Jennings Bryan visited Woodward. He spoke to 20,000 people, encouraging them to support Oklahoma becoming a state. Two months later, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the law making Oklahoma a state. At that time, Woodward had over 2,000 people.

Growth as a County Seat and Cattle Town

In 1911, Woodward was chosen as a court town for the United States District Court. More railroads were built through Woodward in 1911 and 1912.

Farmers successfully brought Hereford cattle to Woodward County. This led to ranchers forming the Oklahoma Livestock Association. In 1912, the U.S. government opened an agricultural research station in Woodward. This station, now called the Southern Plains Range Research Station, helps farmers and ranchers. By 1914, wheat became the main crop grown in the area.

Old Woodward Post Office and Federal Courthouse

The Woodward Federal Courthouse and Post Office was built in 1918 and opened in 1921. The local newspaper, the Woodward News, started in 1926.

In 1929, the Elks Rodeo began in Woodward. It became a very popular event, showing off the town's strong connection to ranching and cattle.

During the Great Depression, local projects helped the town. One project created Crystal Beach Lake and its park from a well. This park became a fun place for the community and the home of the Elks Rodeo.

In 1933, the Woodward Livestock Auction opened. It was the first commercial cattle auction in Oklahoma, continuing Woodward's history as a cattle market.

In 1934, famous aviators Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh made an unexpected landing near Woodward. They stayed for two days, seeking privacy away from the public eye.

Economic Boost and New Industries

From 1934 to 1999, a company called Trego’s Westwear made Western-style clothing. They even made costumes for rodeo and movie stars like Dale Evans and Roy Rogers.

In 1956, Charles Woodward Pappe opened his second Top-Hat Drive-In Restaurant in Woodward. This restaurant inspired Troy Smith (businessman) to create Sonic Drive-In, which is now one of the biggest fast-food chains in the United States!

Also in 1956, natural gas was found in Woodward County. This led to a big boom in oil and gas production for about 20 years.

In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower visited Woodward to see lands affected by drought. A large crowd of 12,000 people welcomed him at the airport.

Woodward County also has one of the world's largest deposits of iodine. Since 1977, companies like Woodward Iodine and Deepwater Chemicals have been producing iodine in the area.

By the 1970s, Woodward's population grew to over 10,000 people. This growth brought new schools, a hospital, and an industrial park.

Challenges and Comeback

In the early 1980s, the economy slowed down, and Woodward's population decreased for the first time.

In 1988, Woodward Crystal Beach Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

As casual clothing became more popular, interest in Western wear decreased. Trego’s Westwear closed its factory in 1995.

Today, attractions like the Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum help share Woodward's history.

Tornadoes in Woodward

The 1947 Tornado

On April 9, 1947, the deadliest tornado in Oklahoma's history hit Woodward. It was an F5 tornado, which is the strongest kind. It killed 107 people, injured almost 1,000, and destroyed 100 city blocks. This tornado was part of a larger group of tornadoes that caused a lot of damage in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

The 2012 Tornado

On April 14, 2012, another strong tornado, an EF3, struck Woodward. This tornado caused six deaths.

Geography of Woodward

Woodward is located in northwestern Oklahoma. It sits on the eastern edge of the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles. The city is on the North Canadian River. It is about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Guymon, Oklahoma and 85 miles (137 km) west of Enid, Oklahoma.

Woodward is the largest city in a nine-county area, making it an important business center for northwestern Oklahoma.

The city covers a total area of about 13.2 square miles (34.2 km²). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.

Climate

Population and People

In 2000, there were 11,853 people living in Woodward. There were 4,787 households and 3,245 families. The population density was about 903 people per square mile.

About 92% of the people were White, 2% were Native American, and less than 1% were African American or Asian. About 6% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

About 33.6% of households had children under 18 living with them. The average household had 2.43 people. The average family had 2.98 people.

The population was spread out by age:

• 26.9% were under 18 years old.
• 9.5% were from 18 to 24 years old.
• 27.7% were from 25 to 44 years old.
• 21.7% were from 45 to 64 years old.
• 14.2% were 65 years or older.

The average age in the city was 36 years.

Getting Around Woodward

Woodward is served by several major roads, including US Route 412, US Route 270, State Highway 34, and State Highway 15.

The West Woodward Airport is located about 2.5 miles west of the city. It has a paved runway for planes. In the 1950s, it even had commercial flights.

The main railway line of the BNSF Railway passes through Woodward. This line is used for freight trains. Another smaller railroad, the Northwestern Oklahoma Railroad, also serves the area.

Woodward's Economy

Woodward is the main center for trade in Northwest Oklahoma. It serves a large area that includes parts of Kansas and Texas. The city's economy relies on several important industries:

• Agriculture: Woodward is a market and processing center for crops like wheat and hay, and for cattle and poultry. The Southern Plains Range Research Station helps with agricultural research.
• Petroleum: Woodward is in an area rich in oil and natural gas. Since natural gas was found in 1956, many oil field companies have opened in Woodward, helping the city grow.
• Iodine: Woodward County has one of the world's largest deposits of iodine. Companies like Woodward Iodine and Deepwater Chemicals produce crude iodine here.
• Wind Energy: Since 2003, wind turbines north of Woodward have been producing electricity from wind power.
• Manufacturing: Companies in Woodward make things like oil field equipment and clothing.
• Chemicals: CF Industries operates a plant that produces ammonia and other nitrogen products.
• Shipping: Beaver Express Service, L.L.C., a large shipping company, has its main office in Woodward. It delivers packages and freight across several states.

Farming and Ranching

In the early 1900s, Hereford cattle were successfully brought to Woodward County. This led to ranchers forming the Oklahoma Livestock Association. In 1912, the U.S. government opened an agricultural research station in Woodward to help with farming and ranching. By 1930, ranching and the cattle industry were very important to Woodward's economy. In 1933, the Woodward Livestock Auction opened, which was the first commercial cattle auction in Oklahoma.

In 1929, local ranchers and business people started the Woodward Elks Rodeo. For many years, it was one of the top rodeos in the country. Famous rodeo champions competed there, and up to 35,000 people would attend the three-day event.

Local Businesses

From 1934 to 1999, the Trego's Westwear Company in Woodward made Western-style clothing for people all over the world. They even created costumes for famous rodeo and movie stars like Dale Evans and Roy Rogers.

On May 18, 1956, Charles Woodward Pappe opened the second Top-Hat Drive-In Restaurant in Woodward. This restaurant was the start of the famous Sonic Drive-In chain, which is now one of the largest fast-food restaurants in the U.S.

Education in Woodward

Woodward has a good school system for its students:

• An early childhood center
• Three elementary schools
• One middle school
• One high school

The Woodward school district serves over 2,500 students. There is also a private school, the Woodward Christian Academy, for over 100 students.

For older students, the High Plains Technology Center offers courses in career and technical education. Woodward is also home to a campus of Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where people can take college courses.

The Woodward Public Library is owned by the city and has been recently remodeled. It is a large library for a city of its size and has a full computer and internet center.

Fun Things to Do in Woodward

• Crystal Beach Water Park: This city-owned park has a swimming pool, play fountains, water slides, and picnic areas. The park is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Woodward Sports Complex: This complex includes the recently updated Fuller Park baseball stadium and five Little League baseball fields.
• Golf Courses: Woodward has two golf courses, Boiling Springs and Crystal Beach Municipal Golf Course.
• Goetzinger Walking Trails: Enjoy seven miles of beautiful walking trails.
• Experiment Lake: This lake is stocked with fish seasonally, so you can go fishing!
• The Conference Center: This large building is used for events, lectures, and presentations.
• Woodward Arts Theatre: The Woodward Arts & Theatre Council hosts concerts, theater shows, and other events in this historic theater, which opened in 1929. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum: This museum features murals, re-creations of old pioneer businesses, a log cabin from the late 1800s, and many other exhibits about local history.
• Woodward Federal Courthouse and Post Office: This historic building was completed in 1921 and is known for its beautiful Renaissance Revival style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• L. L. Stine House: This historic home from 1916 belonged to an early banker, L. L. Stine, and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Boiling Springs State Park: Located east of the city, this park is famous for its unique artesian springs.
• Fort Supply Lake and Wildlife Areas: To the northwest, you can find Fort Supply Lake, the Fort Supply Wildlife Management Area, and the Cooper Wildlife Management Area, which are great for outdoor activities.

Local News and Radio

The Woodward News is the local newspaper and has been serving the community since 1926. It is given out five days a week for free to residents.

Woodward also has several radio stations:

• KWOX 101.1 (K101) - Country music
• KMZE Z92 92.1 - News/Talk
• KWFX 100.1 - Country music
• KWDQ 102.3 (Q102) - Alternative Rock
• KSIW AM 1450 - "Sports Animal" for sports talk
• KJOV 90.7 - Christian Radio
• KZZW 104.5 - "104.5 KZZW" Top 40 music
• KCSC 95.9 - Classical music
• KLSI 107.3 - Classic Hits

Famous People from Woodward

• Jerry Covington: A person who builds amazing custom motorcycles.
• Bob Fenimore: A football player.
• Temple Lea Houston: The youngest child of Sam Houston, who was a Texas State Senator.
• Gary Lakes: An opera singer.
• Dick Thompson Morgan: A United States Congressman from Oklahoma.
• Terry Peach: A farmer, rancher, and former Secretary of the Oklahoma State Board of Agriculture.
• Will Rogers: A famous comedian who worked as a cowboy near Woodward when he was young.
• Charles Swindall: A United States Congressman and Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
• Olin E. Teague: A military hero and long-time Congressman from Texas, born in Woodward.

See also

In Spanish: Woodward (Oklahoma) para niños