58-583: Wewoka is a city in Seminole County, Oklahoma , United States. The population was 3,271 at the 2020 census . It is the county seat of Seminole County. Founded by a Black Seminole , John Coheia , and Black Seminoles in January 1849, Wewoka is the capital of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma . Wewoka's history begins with Black Seminole John Horse , who was also known as Gopher John. In
116-591: A Presbyterian missionary, founded the Ramsey Mission (considered the first school in present Seminole County) in 1866. A post office was established on May 13, 1867, with E. J. Brown as first postmaster. The Seminole Nation made Wewoka their capital city and Seminole Governor John Brown had a log house erected at Wewoka as the Seminole capitol in 1877. During the existence of the Seminole Nation as
174-629: A biography of Seminole chiefs Alice Brown Davis and John F. Brown. Trimble had turned down a request for these materials from the University of Oklahoma Western History Collection because the subjects of the book were central to the history of the Seminoles and the city of Wewoka. Wewoka is home to an annual Sorghum Days celebration in the fall. Sorghum molasses is prepared on-site at the Seminole Nation Museum grounds. The sorghum
232-476: A household in the county was $ 25,568, and the median income for a family was $ 30,791. Males had a median income of $ 25,954 versus $ 18,285 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 13,956. About 16.70% of families and 20.80% of the population were below the poverty line , including 28.90% of those under age 18 and 14.40% of those age 65 or over. Of 3,142 counties in the United States in 2014,
290-660: A large brick high school building, designed and constructed during the Great Depression by the WPA . The high school auditorium serves for community events as well. Wewoka is a 20-minute drive from an associate degree-granting college at Seminole State College . In addition, Wewoka is a 45-minute drive from two Ph.D.-degree-granting universities in Shawnee: Oklahoma Baptist University and St. Gregory's University (St. Gregory's University
348-479: A political entity, the federal government was required by treaty to make payments directly to qualified tribe members. A popular sight was the pay wagon, accompanied by several armed Seminole light horsemen who rapidly unloaded the gold bullion, silver coins and paper money, and make a mad dash from the train station to the Wewoka Trading Company building, where it was delivered to A. J. Brown, who
406-603: A research library, an arts and crafts center, an art gallery, a small office and a gift shop. The museum offers educational courses both on site and on the road (both in Oklahoma and in other parts of the United States. The museum estimates that it has had over half a million visitors from every state in the U.S. and over 100 other countries, since its opening. Vance Trimble, a Pulitzer Prize winning news reporter, editor and author, donated an extensive collection of research materials he used in writing his book, Alice & J. F. B. ,
464-486: A reservoir to assure the city water supply, and an amusement park at the lake soon followed. Agriculture was a major component of the Wewoka economy, with important products being cotton, peaches, peanuts, pecans, and Silvermine variety of corn. Cattle raising was also important. Although the population declined significantly during and right after World War II, it began to stabilize later in the 20th century. Major employers in
522-753: Is Mark Mosley. In 1941, as part of the New Deal projects of the Works Progress Administration , Marjorie Rowland Clarke won a federal commission from the Section of Painting and Sculpture ′s projects, later called the Section of Fine Arts , of the Treasury Department to paint a mural for the Wewoka post office. The painting, Historical Background of Wewoka can still be seen in the building. The Seminole National Museum opened in 1974, after about ten years of planning by
580-467: Is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma . As of the 2020 census , the population was 23,556. Its county seat is Wewoka . Most of the county was a reservation for the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma which still retains jurisdiction over some land in the county. A small portion of land at the eastern end of the county belonged to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation . Seminole County is notable for
638-669: Is a little over one hour. The drive to Tulsa is a little over 1.5 hours. The nearest interstate highway to Wewoka, I-40, is 15 miles. The majority of the town is in the Wewoka Public Schools school district, while a portion to the south is in the Justice Public School elementary school district. The " 2011 Academic Performance Index " score for the Wewoka School District was 749. The statewide average score for this measure for 2009–10
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#1732772920966696-490: Is cooked from cane juice pressed in an authentic mule-driven cane press, a rarity today. Sorghum is sold on fry-bread on the museum grounds for visitors to enjoy. Sorghum is not an agricultural crop of the Wewoka area; a small patch is grown for this celebration. Past Sorghum Day parade marshals include actor Ken Curtis , best known for his portrayal of Festus Haggen on the long-running CBS western television series Gunsmoke . Seminole County, Oklahoma Seminole County
754-578: Is increasing. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 4.8 square miles (12.5 km), all land. As of the 2010 census , there were 3,430 people, 3,177 households, and 803 families residing in Wewoka. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.23. Less than 30% of the population was under the age of 18 and 16.3% was age 65 or older. The 2000 census counted 3,271 people, 1,390 households, and 884 families residing in
812-413: Is just over 3,500. The projections show that the city will continue to decrease in the coming years. The ethnic diversity continues, with 52% white, 22% American Indian and 18% African American. The average household income is approximately $ 37,000 a year, a substantial increase over 2002. According to the demographic comparison, the number of households is decreasing, but the income of those living in Wewoka
870-456: Is now closed). East Central University is a 50-minute drive from Wewoka. The University of Oklahoma is an hour and 20 minutes from Wewoka, with Oklahoma State University being one hour and 45 minutes away. The first successful oil well in the Wewoka area, Betsy Foster Number One, began producing in March, 1923, leading to a boom in the population of oil field workers. Lake Wewoka was built as
928-481: Is one elementary school district: Justice Public School . 35°10′N 96°37′W / 35.17°N 96.61°W / 35.17; -96.61 Seminole County, Oklahoma Seminole County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma . As of the 2020 census , the population was 23,556. Its county seat is Wewoka . Most of the county was a reservation for the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma which still retains jurisdiction over some land in
986-401: Is to the northwest. Along with the associated 1400-acre wildlife refuge which surrounds it, the lake offers boat docks and ramps; primitive campsites as well as RV sites; equestrian trails and facilities; and, other amenities. Wewoka has a council-manager form of government. The city has five wards, each of which has one representative on the city council. Current members are: The City Manager
1044-535: Is water. The county is bounded on the north by the North Canadian River and on the south by the Canadian River . As of the census of 2000, there were 24,894 people, 9,575 households, and 6,788 families residing in the county. The population density was 15/km (39/sq mi). There were 11,146 housing units at an average density of 7/km (18/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county
1102-792: The Tulsa World . Early oil discoveries in the area were the Wewoka oil field and Cromwell oil field, both discovered in 1923. Then, on July 16, 1926, the Fixico No. 1 well reached the Wilcox sand at 4073 feet, bringing in the Seminole City Field. Located within the Greater Seminole area are 6 of Oklahoma's 22 giant oil fields, including Earlsboro, St. Louis, Seminole, Bowlegs, Little River, and Allen . Total production from
1160-535: The Greater Seminole Field , one of the most important oil fields ever found, which is still producing. It extends into nearby counties. In the early years of the oil boom , workers and adventurers flooded into the county, rapidly tripling the population. As oil production later declined, jobs and residents left. Seminole County has been an important part of the Oklahoma and United States petroleum industry for over 80 years. The Greater Seminole Field
1218-526: The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ranked Seminole County 3,014 in the average life expectancy at birth of male residents and 3,108 in the life expectancy of female residents, the lowest life expectancy of Oklahoma counties, and among the lowest life expectancy for all counties. Males in Seminole County lived an average of 70.2 years and females lived an average of 75.4 years compared to
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#17327729209661276-437: The 1920s and 30s the great Seminole Oil Fields were the largest suppliers of oil anywhere in the world. In 1925 the population of Wewoka was 1,520. By 1927 the population increased to over 20,000, as adventurers and workers came, to make their fortunes. It rapidly had become the third-largest city in Oklahoma. From 1927 to the present, the oil companies took out as much as they could get. As the oil decreased, jobs and people left
1334-445: The Fixico No. 1 well reached the Wilcox sand at 4073 feet, bringing in the Seminole City Field. Located within the Greater Seminole area are 6 of Oklahoma's 22 giant oil fields, including Earlsboro, St. Louis, Seminole, Bowlegs, Little River, and Allen . Total production from the Greater Seminole area from 1926 to 1936 was 702,157,800 barrels, or 18% of all production in Oklahoma. The Maud field, discovered in 1927 by Amerada Petroleum,
1392-411: The Greater Seminole area from 1926 to 1936 was 702,157,800 barrels, or 18% of all production in Oklahoma. The Maud field, discovered in 1927 by Amerada Petroleum, was the first discovery using reflection seismology . This marked the beginning of the use of modern geophysical methods in the petroleum industry. The Seminole County Courthouse was built in 1927. According to the U.S. Census Bureau ,
1450-427: The Oklahoma and United States petroleum industry for over 80 years. The Greater Seminole Field was one of the most important oil fields ever found and is still producing. Discovered one field after another in 1926, it contained an estimated 822,000,000 barrels (130,700,000 m ) of oil. To group the fields together, the oil companies decided to come up with a name, and this was suggested by Paul Hedrick, oil editor of
1508-494: The Seminole Nation had sided with the Confederacy, although many tribe members fled to the relative safety of Kansas, where they remained for the duration of the war. In 1866, after the Confederacy surrendered, the United States government required the Seminole Nation to sign a new treaty, which required them to emancipate their slaves, give freedmen who wanted to stay in the territory full rights as citizens, including voting in
1566-589: The Seminole community in Oklahoma. It is housed in a native stone building that initially served as the Wewoka Community Center, after it was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1934. It operates as a non-profit organization, and does not charge an admission fee to visitors. The building has expanded from the original 1,800 square feet (170 m) to 4,000 square feet (370 m) and includes display space,
1624-429: The age of 18 living with them, 53.30% were married couples living together, 13.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.10% were non-families. 25.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.05. In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.30% under
1682-467: The age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 24.40% from 25 to 44, 23.40% from 45 to 64, and 16.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.00 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 25,568, and the median income for a family was $ 30,791. Males had a median income of $ 25,954 versus $ 18,285 for females. The per capita income for
1740-403: The average family size was 3.14. In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.4 males. The median income for a household in the city
1798-715: The city have included Wewoka Brick Company, the Wewoka Packing Plant, the Oklahoma Clothing Manufacturing Company, Lillian Russell (dress manufacturing), Acker Industries (steel products), and Plasteck Central (aircraft parts). Wewoka Lake is to the north-northwest of town. While developed by the City of Wewoka in the 1920s as a water reservoir, opportunities at the lake today include fishing & boating; RV & primitive camping; and, swimming & water skiing. Sportsman Lake
Wewoka, Oklahoma - Misplaced Pages Continue
1856-478: The city. By 1950 the population of Wewoka was 6,753 and in 1960 it was 6,300. The population continued a steady decline, but the city has continued as the commercial center of the region. The 1980s and 1990s were difficult for the city. Businesses left town and poverty greatly increased. The city leaders tried to protect themselves by refusing to allow competition, like Wal-Mart, to enter the city. Holdenville and Seminole do have Wal-Mart stores. Seminole's Wal-Mart has
1914-431: The city. The police force was increased and began to get the crime rate under control. The crime rate by 2001 was below average for the state of Oklahoma. The historic downtown received a face lift of new sidewalks, streets, lights and flowers. Wewoka was selected as one of Channel 5's Top Five Cities in 2004. The city of Wewoka continues to work to attract businesses and maintain population. The current population of Wewoka
1972-411: The city. The population density was 736.1 inhabitants per square mile (284.2/km). There were 1,762 housing units at an average density of 364.1 per square mile (140.6/km). The racial makeup of the city was 51.04% White, 19.88% African American, 21.45% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.04% from other races, and 6.23% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.39% of
2030-419: The county has a total area of 640 square miles (1,700 km ), of which 633 square miles (1,640 km ) is land and 7.6 square miles (20 km ) (1.2%) is water. The county is bounded on the north by the North Canadian River and on the south by the Canadian River . As of the census of 2000, there were 24,894 people, 9,575 households, and 6,788 families residing in the county. The population density
2088-424: The county was $ 13,956. About 16.70% of families and 20.80% of the population were below the poverty line , including 28.90% of those under age 18 and 14.40% of those age 65 or over. Of 3,142 counties in the United States in 2014, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ranked Seminole County 3,014 in the average life expectancy at birth of male residents and 3,108 in the life expectancy of female residents,
2146-510: The county. A small portion of land at the eastern end of the county belonged to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation . Seminole County is notable for the Greater Seminole Field , one of the most important oil fields ever found, which is still producing. It extends into nearby counties. In the early years of the oil boom , workers and adventurers flooded into the county, rapidly tripling the population. As oil production later declined, jobs and residents left. Seminole County has been an important part of
2204-573: The decision was overturned in 1902 and sales were opened to white settlers. In 1907, Wewoka became part of the state of Oklahoma, which was admitted to the union. In 1908 it was designated as the county seat of Seminole County, Oklahoma , winning out in an election against the city of Seminole, Oklahoma . Early newspapers were the Wewoka Herald , Wewoka Democrat , and the Seminole County Capital . The city developed around
2262-402: The house that Andrew Jackson Brown and his wife Mannie Lou built at 11th Avenue and Muskogee. Brown was the brother of Seminole Governor John Brown and the two owned and operated the Wewoka Trading Company. They were prominent Seminole of Creek and Scottish ancestry. Descendants included two prominent Seminole chiefs, Lucy Brown McKellop and her husband John F. McKellop . The house still stands,
2320-736: The last remaining structure of the Nineteenth Seminole Republic. It straddles the border between the Seminole and Creek nations and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . On March 16, 1923, oil was discovered two miles southeast of Wewoka by R. H. Smith, part of the Greater Seminole Oil Field . Great wealth was realized by many Seminole in 1925 with the exploration of the Magnolia Petroleum Company. In
2378-460: The lowest life expectancy of Oklahoma counties, and among the lowest life expectancy for all counties. Males in Seminole County lived an average of 70.2 years and females lived an average of 75.4 years compared to the national average for life expectancy of 76.7 for males and 81.5 for females. In the 1980-2014 period, the average life expectancy in Seminole County for females declined by 0.4 years while male longevity increased by 2.7 years compared to
Wewoka, Oklahoma - Misplaced Pages Continue
2436-492: The national average for life expectancy of 76.7 for males and 81.5 for females. In the 1980-2014 period, the average life expectancy in Seminole County for females declined by 0.4 years while male longevity increased by 2.7 years compared to the national average for the same period of an increased life expectancy of 4.0 years for women and 6.7 years for men. Seminole County ranked in the worst performing 10 percent of all counties. High rates of smoking and obesity for both sexes and
2494-725: The national average for the same period of an increased life expectancy of 4.0 years for women and 6.7 years for men. Seminole County ranked in the worst performing 10 percent of all counties. High rates of smoking and obesity for both sexes and a low level of physical activity for males appear to be contributing factors to the relatively short life expectancy. In 2020, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ranked Seminole country as 61st (of 77 counties in Oklahoma) in "health outcomes," as measured by length and quality of life. Unified school districts include: There
2552-407: The population. There were 1,390 households, out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.0% were married couples living together, 19.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 33.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and
2610-506: The settlement Wewokea after Osceola 's second wife who was of both Seminole and African ancestry. In autumn of 1849, Horse and Seminole chief Wild Cat led Seminole families into Mexico to avoid the attempts of slavers to raid families and capture people of African descent. The Mexican government offered Wild Cat, Horse and other Seminoles land in Mexico if they could rid the land of renegades who were terrorizing Mexican citizens. Wild Cat
2668-628: The spring of 1849, Horse and a group of Black Seminoles founded a settlement near modern-day Wewoka. Seeking safety and autonomy from the Creek Nation, they established a community located at the falls of a small stream, lying in the fertile lands between the North and South Canadian Rivers. The steady rush of water over the falls gave rise to the name We-Wo-Ka – meaning "Barking Water" in the Mvskoke (Seminole) language. Other historians say he named
2726-456: The super-center configuration offering groceries as well as dry goods. The crime rate in Wewoka during the 1980s increased; the radio commentator Paul Harvey called Wewoka "Little Chicago," because it had a higher crime rate per capita than the city of Chicago. The violence in the city caused people to avoid coming to Wewoka and gave the city a reputation that continues to linger. By the mid-1990s, new leadership began to turn commerce around in
2784-432: The tribe. Brown led the refugees back to Wewoka, here he built himself a house and established a trading post. Freedmen settled in Wewoka along with the Seminole and Elijah Brown was the only legal white settler in the town. The trading post had several subsequent proprietors before it was bought by two Seminole brothers, John Frippo Brown and A. J. Brown, and became the Wewoka Trading Company in 1891. Rev. James Ross Ramsey,
2842-409: Was $ 19,490, and the median income for a family was $ 27,130. Males had a median income of $ 22,467 versus $ 17,670 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 12,039. About 26.6% of families and 29.8% of the population were below the poverty line , including 42.0% of those under age 18 and 20.0% of those age 65 or over. The drive from Wewoka to the nearest major metropolitan area Oklahoma City
2900-473: Was 1092. In comparison, other public schools in the region scored as follows: Wewoka Public Schools was not marked as a "School in Need of Improvement" in this state-generated report card. Although the school system was scored low, some Wewoka Public School system alumni of all races and social-strata regularly earn Ph.D.s, J.D.s, and other professional degrees in later life. The Wewoka Public School system has
2958-495: Was 15/km (39/sq mi). There were 11,146 housing units at an average density of 7/km (18/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was 70.74% White , 5.59% Black or African American , 17.39% Native American , 0.22% Asian , 0.05% Pacific Islander , 0.74% from other races , and 5.28% from two or more races. 2.22% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 94.7% spoke English , 2.9% Muskogee and 1.7% Spanish as their first language. By 2020, its population
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#17327729209663016-400: Was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.05. In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.30% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 24.40% from 25 to 44, 23.40% from 45 to 64, and 16.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.00 males. The median income for
3074-399: Was 23,556. There were 9,575 households, out of which 30.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.30% were married couples living together, 13.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.10% were non-families. 25.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
3132-438: Was 70.74% White , 5.59% Black or African American , 17.39% Native American , 0.22% Asian , 0.05% Pacific Islander , 0.74% from other races , and 5.28% from two or more races. 2.22% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 94.7% spoke English , 2.9% Muskogee and 1.7% Spanish as their first language. By 2020, its population was 23,556. There were 9,575 households, out of which 30.70% had children under
3190-506: Was also the Treasurer of the Seminole Nation. Brown kept the bulk payment in the company vault until he distributed it directly to the proper recipients. The Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad (C O & G) built a railroad line from McAlester to Oklahoma City that passed through Wewoka. The city was formally platted in 1897. The Seminole National Council ordered that decreed that the lots could be sold only to American Indians. However,
3248-487: Was one of the most important oil fields ever found and is still producing. Discovered one field after another in 1926, it contained an estimated 822,000,000 barrels (130,700,000 m ) of oil. To group the fields together, the oil companies decided to come up with a name, and this was suggested by Paul Hedrick, oil editor of the Tulsa World . Early oil discoveries in the area were the Wewoka oil field and Cromwell oil field, both discovered in 1923. Then, on July 16, 1926,
3306-403: Was the first discovery using reflection seismology . This marked the beginning of the use of modern geophysical methods in the petroleum industry. The Seminole County Courthouse was built in 1927. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 640 square miles (1,700 km ), of which 633 square miles (1,640 km ) is land and 7.6 square miles (20 km ) (1.2%)
3364-488: Was the next hereditary chief of the Seminole Nation but the government appointed its first chief John Jumper instead. The descendants of Wildcat and his band were split for a time between Wewoka, Texas , and Mexico until 1918. The city was founded in 1866 when Elijah J. Brown, an employee of the federal government led Seminole refugees from Leroy, Kansas to Indian Territory . During the American Civil War ,
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