Okmulgee County is located in the state of Oklahoma in the United States. The county was formed in 1907 and has a rich history that is fascinating to explore. Here are seven interesting facts about Okmulgee County in Oklahoma history:
1. Okmulgee was once the “Oil Capital of the World”
Back in the 1920s, Okmulgee County was the primary producer of oil in the world. The county had over 2,000 oil wells and produced almost one-sixth of the nation's oil, even though it covered only 0.5% of the country's land area.
2. Okmulgee County was once home to the Creek Nation
The Creek citizens, also known as the Muscogee, lived in what is now present-day Okmulgee County. The Muscogee people were known for their agriculture, including the cultivation of corn and other vegetables. They also relied on fishing and hunting as their primary means of survival.
3. Okmulgee County has a rich coal mining history
The area around Okmulgee County was once home to a thriving coal mining industry. In the early 1900s, there were more than 100 mines in the county, and coal was the primary source of heating fuel for homes and businesses across the region.
4. The historic Creek Nation Council House is located in Okmulgee County
The Creek Nation Council House was built in 1878 and served as the government building for the Creek Nation. The building has been preserved and is now designated as a National Historic Landmark.
5. Okmulgee County was home to one of the largest planes ever built
In 1943, the Douglas Aircraft Company began construction on a massive bomber plane known as the B-19. The plane was too large for any existing hangars and was constructed in the open air on a runway in Okmulgee County. The B-19 was never put into production, and only one prototype was ever built.
6. Okmulgee County was the site of a historic lynching
In 1911, three African-American men were accused of killing a white woman in Okmulgee County. They were quickly arrested and put on trial, but before the trial could conclude, a lynch mob broke into the jail and hanged the men. The incident, known as the Okmulgee Outrage, was widely publicized and led to increased awareness of the need for civil rights in America.
7. Okmulgee County is home to the Okmulgee Lake Conservation District
The Okmulgee Lake Conservation District was created in the 1950s to monitor water levels and regulate the use of the Okmulgee Lake. The district works to promote responsible water usage and protect the environment around the lake.
In conclusion, Okmulgee County has a rich and diverse history that is full of remarkable events and milestones. Whether you are interested in oil production, coal mining, civil rights, or aviation history, Okmulgee County has something to offer for everyone.
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