Atoka County is located in the southeastern corner of Oklahoma and is bordered by Coal, Pittsburg, Pushmataha, and Johnston Counties. Atoka County has a total area of 848 square miles and is divided into two parts by the Kiamichi River. The eastern part of the county has rolling hills and fertile bottomland while the western part is mostly flat prairie land with sandy soil.
The county’s most prominent geographic feature is Lake Atoka which covers over 2,000 acres and provides a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Other important bodies of water in Atoka County include McGee Creek Reservoir and Clear Boggy Creek Reservoir which are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Atoka County also has several parks that provide recreational opportunities for visitors including Stringtown Park which features a playground and picnic area as well as McGee Creek State Park which offers camping sites, hiking trails, fishing spots, and much more. The county also has two golf courses; Atoka Country Club and Pine Hills Golf Course.
Atoka County has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. Average annual precipitation ranges from 30 to 38 inches while average temperatures range from 52 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
Overall, Atoka County is an attractive destination for those looking to enjoy outdoor recreation or relax in a rural setting with easy access to nearby cities like McAlester or Durant for more urban amenities. With its diverse terrain, vibrant communities, and abundance of natural attractions it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call this beautiful part of Oklahoma home.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Atoka County, Oklahoma
Atoka County is located in southeastern Oklahoma and the county seat is Atoka, which is also the largest city in the county. The town of Atoka was established in 1867 and named for a Chickasaw chief who had signed a treaty with the US government. It is located on the banks of Clear Boggy Creek and has a population of approximately 3,000 people.
The other main cities in Atoka County are Stringtown, Tushka, Farris, Caney, and Lane. Stringtown was founded in 1889 and named for its proximity to a string of nearby towns. It has a population of about 500 people and is home to one of Atoka County’s parks; Stringtown Park which features a playground and picnic area. See cities in Oklahoma.
Tushka is located on Highway 75 between McAlester and Atoka. It was established in 1902 as a stop along the railroad line between McAlester and Ardmore. Today it has a population of about 250 people and serves as an agricultural hub for nearby farms.
Farris is located 12 miles north of Atoka on State Highway 43A. It was founded in 1905 by members of the Church of Christ who wanted to create their own community away from other towns that were considered “too worldly” at the time. Today it has a population of around 200 people with most residents living on farms or small ranches outside town limits.
Caney is located 15 miles south-southwest from Atoka on State Highway 43B near McGee Creek Reservoir which provides recreational opportunities for visitors such as boating, fishing, camping, hiking trails, etc.. Caney was founded in 1910 as an agricultural town with cotton being its primary crop until World War II when soybeans became more popular due to increased demand for oil products derived from them. Today it has an estimated population around 250 people with most residents living on small family farms outside town limits.
Finally, there’s Lane which is located 10 miles south-southwest from Atoka at the intersection of State Highways 43B & 43C near Clear Boggy Creek Reservoir which provides recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, camping etc.. Lane was established in 1911 by members of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) who wanted to create their own community away from other towns they considered “too worldly” at the time. Today it has an estimated population around 200 people with most residents living on small family farms outside town limits.
History of Atoka County, Oklahoma
Atoka County was established in 1907, and was named after a Choctaw Chief, Atoka. The county was originally part of the Chickasaw Nation in Indian Territory before Oklahoma became a state. The first settlers to the area were ranchers and farmers who were drawn to the fertile land. As the population began to grow, so did the need for basic infrastructure such as roads and schools. By 1910, Atoka County had grown to include several small towns and villages with post offices, churches, stores and other businesses. Oil was discovered in 1914 near Stringtown which led to an economic boom throughout the county as new oil wells were established. As a result of this economic growth, Atoka developed into a thriving rural community with a strong agricultural base as well as an oil industry that provided jobs for many people in the area.
Economy of Atoka County, Oklahoma
Atoka County has a diverse economy made up of several industries, including agriculture, oil and gas production, manufacturing, retail and services. Agriculture is the largest industry in Atoka County, with cattle ranching and farming being the most important agricultural activities. Cattle ranching is especially important to the area as it provides both income and jobs to many local residents. The oil and gas industry is also very important to the economy of Atoka County as it provides jobs for many people in the area. Oil production has been a major economic driver since 1914 when oil was discovered near Stringtown. Manufacturing is also an important part of Atoka County’s economy, with several manufacturing companies providing jobs for local residents. Retail businesses are also plentiful in Atoka County, offering goods and services to locals as well as visitors from around the country. Finally, there are also numerous service businesses located throughout the county that provide a variety of services from healthcare to legal assistance. All these different industries contribute to making Atoka County a vibrant region with a strong economy that continues to grow each year.