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Washita County is located in the southwestern part of Oklahoma and has a rich history that spans centuries. From its formation in 1891 to the present day, the county has seen many changes and events that have shaped its identity. Here are seven interesting facts about Washita County in Oklahoma history:
1. Washita County was named after the Washita River, which flows through the area. The river was named by the Choctaw people, who used the word "washitah" to describe the river's winding course.
2. The county's first settlement was established in 1879 by a group of pioneers from Texas. They settled in the Washita River Valley and named their community "Cheyenne Valley" after the local Native American tribe.
3. In 1868, the Battle of Washita River took place in what is now Washita County. Led by Colonel George Armstrong Custer, the U.S. Army attacked a village of Cheyenne and Arapaho Native Americans, resulting in the deaths of over 100 people.
4. In the early 1900s, the discovery of oil in the county led to a boom in the local economy. Many oil wells were drilled, and the county became a major producer of oil and gas.
5. In 1927, Washita County was hit by a tornado that caused significant damage and killed 16 people. The storm was part of a larger outbreak of tornadoes that struck Oklahoma and other states.
6. During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps established two camps in Washita County. The camps provided jobs and training for young men and also helped to improve the local infrastructure.
7. In 1979, a group of Native American activists took over the Washita County Courthouse in protest of the treatment of Native Americans by the U.S. government. The protest lasted for several days and drew national attention to the issue.
These are just a few of the many interesting facts about Washita County in Oklahoma history. From its early settlement to its role in the oil industry, the county has played an important role in the state's development and continues to be a vibrant part of Oklahoma today.
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