Oklahoma is a state that has a lot of interesting history, culture, and scenery. However, not all of the towns and communities in the area are doing well today. Actually, a few of them are experiencing a significant decrease in population, economy, and quality of life. In this article, we will discuss seven towns in Oklahoma that are experiencing a significant decrease in population, and we will explore the reasons why people are leaving these towns.
Lone Wolf
Lone Wolf is a little town in Kiowa County. It was named after a well-known Kiowa chief. At one time, there were more than 1,000 people living in this community. It had two grocery stores, a meat market, a hardware store, and a car wash. But as time passed, many businesses shut down and the population decreased to less than 400. The town is working to protect its history and improve its park, but it is having difficulty attracting new residents and opportunities.
Cardin
Cardin is a town that no longer has any residents in Ottawa County. It is situated close to the border of Kansas. The town was established in 1913 for mining purposes. It had a population of over 2,500 people in the 1920s, which was its highest point. But the town was greatly harmed by pollution from the mines, which made the soil, water, and air dirty. The town was designated as a Superfund site by the EPA, and the government moved most of the residents to a different location. In 2020, the town had no people living there anymore, and only a small number of empty buildings are left.
Pitcher
Picher is a ghost town in Ottawa County. It used to be next to Cardin. It was also a town where mining took place, and faced similar environmental issues as Cardin. In 2008, a tornado hit the town and caused significant damage to numerous homes and businesses. The government made everyone leave the town, and they gave money to the people who still lived there to convince them to go. In 2010, there were only six people living in the town. However, by 2020, there were no residents left.
Also Read: This Ohio Town Becomes the Most Depressed City In Entire State
Corn
Corn is a town located in Washita County. It was founded by German immigrants in 1892. The name was originally Korn, which means grain in German. However, during World War I, it was changed to Corn to avoid negative feelings towards anything German. The town is famous for its Mennonite heritage and hosts an annual German Feast and Auction. But the town has been getting smaller since the 1980s, and in 2020 it only had 495 people living there. The town has difficulties in keeping up with its infrastructure, services, and traditions.
Fort Towson
Fort Towson is a town in Choctaw County. It was named after a military fort that was built in 1824. The fort was an important location during the Indian Removal, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War. The town was officially established in 1900 and had its highest population of over 1,000 people in the 1940s. But the town has been getting smaller since then, and in 2020 it only had 477 residents. The town is facing problems with its economy, education, and health care.
Gotebo
Gotebo is a town located in Kiowa County. It was named after a Kiowa chief. The town was established in 1901 as a place for the railroad, and later became an important hub for trade and business for the nearby farms and ranches. The town had a lively social and cultural scene, including a theater, a newspaper, a library, and a museum. But the town has been getting smaller and losing businesses since the 1950s. In 2020, there were only 205 people living there. The town is facing challenges with poverty, crime, and isolation.
Kemp
Kemp is a town in Bryan County that is close to the Texas border. The town was established in 1890 as a farming community and was named after a local merchant. The town had about 300 people living there for most of the 1900s, but the number of residents decreased a lot in the 2010s. In 2020, the town had only 99 residents, which means it is the smallest incorporated town in Oklahoma. The town has problems with old infrastructure, not enough services, and not enough money from taxes.
In summary
These seven towns are examples of how many parts of Oklahoma and the nation are experiencing a decrease in population in rural areas. Many different things contribute to this phenomenon. Some examples include damage to the environment, lack of economic growth, more people living in cities, and changes in the climate. These towns are not just losing residents, but also the things that make them unique – their history, culture, and identity. However, some of these towns are also making efforts to protect their history, improve their communities, and bring in new residents and visitors. These towns show the difficulties and possibilities that rural Oklahoma deals with in the 21st century.
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