THIS IS HOME
The warm and friendly community in Choctaw is attributed to generations of dedicated citizens who take pride in living here.
Our History
Choctaw is the oldest chartered city in the State of Oklahoma. Our rich history dates back to the early days of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 when the land that would become Oklahoma was first acquired. During the 1830s and 1840s, numerous Native American tribes were forced to relocate to Indian Territory, which is now present-day Oklahoma. Today, our state is home to 39 tribal nations, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the region.
In the late 19th century, as settlers looked to expand westward after the Civil War, the unassigned lands in the center of Oklahoma Territory became an attractive prospect for settlement. On April 22, 1889, the Oklahoma Land Run officially opened these lands for settlement. It was during this time that John Scott Muzzy submitted a homestead application for 160 acres of land on the North slope of Line Creek Valley, which is now known as Choctaw Creek.
Several streets in present-day Choctaw occupy the boundaries of Muzzy's original claim. 23rd Street, also known as Hwy 62, marks the south boundary, Choctaw Road defines the east boundary, 3rd Street designates the north boundary, and Harper represents the west boundary. Prior to the Land Run, present day area of Choctaw, served as the original grazing range for the 7C Ranch, established by Jesse Chisholm in the mid-1860s.
Following the Land Run, it became clear that a town was needed to cater to the needs of the settlers. The Choctaw Coal and Railway Company was simultaneously constructing a railway line from McAlester to Oklahoma City, with a planned stop along the southern border of Muzzy's Claim. Recognizing the opportunity, several businessmen decided to establish a city on the east 80 acres of Muzzy's claim, which would serve as a center for trade, business, and residence. This city was named Choctaw City after the Choctaw Coal and Railway Company, which played a crucial role in its development.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th century, Choctaw City thrived as a vibrant agricultural town, bustling with various businesses and amenities. The town catered to the needs of its residents and played a pivotal role in supporting the local agricultural economy. From a train station facilitating transportation and trade to cotton gins processing the area's significant cotton crop, from livery stables providing horse-related services to hardware and dry goods stores offering general merchandise, Choctaw City had it all. The town also boasted hotels, butcher shops, barbers and millinery shops, dressmaking shops, a pool hall for recreation, and even a distillery and saloons for socializing and entertainment. This bustling commercial activity and diverse range of businesses reflected the prosperity and vitality of the era.
Here's a timeline of key events in Choctaw's History:
· 1860: Jesse Chisholm founds the 7C Ranch.
· April 22, 1889: Oklahoma Land Run takes place.
· September 2, 1889: John Scott Muzzy files a homestead application.
· January 31, 1890: Sarah A. Muzzy files an application to establish a post office.
· February 20, 1890: First Post Office in Choctaw City is established.
· July 5, 1892: John Scott Muzzy relinquishes his claim for the east 80 acres.
· September 10, 1892: Department of Interior cancels the cash entry for the townsite claim.
· July 6, 1893: Trustees file entry in trust for Choctaw City.
· August 28, 1893: Townsite claim is successful, and patent certificate No. 894 is received from the US Government.
· January 1, 1895- Railway addition platted
· October 1895- railway line from McAlester to OKC was completed.
· 1897- Old Town businesses (that were located to the east near what is now Choctaw Road), are relocated to Outcalt Street (now Main Street)
· January 26, 1904- Application of incorporation was filed with the board of county commissioners.
· March 8, 1904- Application approved by the board of county commissioners.
· April 5, 1904- Application for incorporation was approved by the voters of Choctaw City.
· June 16, 1904- Old Choctaw City and Railway addition re-platted for incorporation of the town of Choctaw City.
· 1904- Census for Choctaw City showed a population of 284 people.
· November 16, 1907- Oklahoma becomes a state.