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Latimer County, located in southeastern Oklahoma, is home to a rich and fascinating history. From the tragic to the triumphant, the county has seen it all. Here are 7 interesting facts about Latimer County in Oklahoma history:
1. The county was named after J.W. Latimer, a prominent lawyer and politician who served as a delegate to the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention in 1907. He was also part of the first state legislature.
2. In 1912, a coal mine explosion in Krebs, a town in Latimer County, claimed the lives of 100 miners. It remains one of the deadliest coal mine disasters in U.S. history.
3. The Belle Starr Cabin, located in Wilburton, is the former home of the notorious outlaw Belle Starr. Starr was known for her involvement in various illegal activities, including robberies, horse theft, and bootlegging.
4. The Latimer County Courthouse, located in Wilburton, was built in 1910 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
5. In 1923, Latimer County was the site of a shootout between law enforcement officials and members of the infamous Doolin-Dalton Gang. The gang had been responsible for numerous robberies throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas before finally being taken down in a hail of gunfire.
6. In 1932, the Great Depression hit Latimer County particularly hard. Unemployment and poverty were rampant, and many families were forced to rely on government aid in order to survive.
7. During World War II, Latimer County and the surrounding areas played an important role in the war effort. The McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, located just across the county line in Pittsburg County, produced ammunition and other supplies for the U.S. Military. Many local residents also enlisted and served in various branches of the armed forces.
Overall, Latimer County has a unique and fascinating history that is worth exploring. From tragic disasters to notorious outlaws to heroic contributions to the war effort, this county has played an important role in shaping Oklahoma history.
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