Murray County | |
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Murray County Courthouse in September 2014 | |
![]() Location within the U.S. state of Oklahoma | |
![]() Oklahoma's location within the U.S. | |
Coordinates: 34°29′N97°04′W / 34.49°N 97.07°W | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Founded | 1907 |
Seat | Sulphur |
Largest city | Sulphur |
Area | |
• Total | 425 sq mi (1,100 km2) |
• Land | 416 sq mi (1,080 km2) |
• Water | 8.6 sq mi (22 km2) 2.0% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 13,904 |
• Density | 33/sq mi (13/km2) |
Congressional district | 4th |
Murray County is a county located in the southern part of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,904. [1] The county seat is Sulphur. [2] The county was named for William H. Murray, a member and president of the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention and later a Governor of Oklahoma. [3]
The area now occupied by Murray County was part of the land granted to the Choctaw Nation by the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1820. The Chickasaw received part of the land under the Treaty of Doaksville in 1838. The area became part of the Chickasaw Nation in 1855. There was an extended conflict before the U.S. Civil War between the Plains Indians and the newly arrived Choctaws and Chickasaws. The U.S. Army built Fort Towson (1824); Fort Washita (1842) and Fort Arbuckle (1851) to protect the Chickasaws. After the conflict between the tribes was settled, various bands of outlaws moved in and continued to create law enforcement problems. [3]
Sulphur began developing in the 1880s around the springs for which it was named. The springs encouraged the building of bathhouses and spas. Several were established by the time that a post office was established in 1898. The Sulphur Springs Railway (acquired by the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway in 1907) arrived there in 1902, and the 1904 establishment of Platt National Park, with headquarters at Sulphur, spurred the expansion of services for health-seekers. Other visitors were drawn to the park and to nearby Turner Falls, making Sulphur one of the state's earliest recreational centers. [3]
Until statehood, the area of the present-day county was a part of Pickens County, Chickasaw Nation. [4] Murray County was created when the Chickasaw Nation was disestablished immediately before Oklahoma statehood. Sulphur was declared as the county seat.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 425 square miles (1,100 km2), of which 416 square miles (1,080 km2) is land and 8.6 square miles (22 km2) (2.0%) is water. [5] It is the third-smallest county in Oklahoma by land area and second-smallest by total area. [3] The county's northern section lies in the Sandstone Hills physiographic region and is suitable for farming, while the southern portion is in the Arbuckle Mountains region, which is dominated by rolling hills and rock outcrops. The Washita River drains the county. Chickasaw National Recreation Area (CNRA) lies in the county. Lake of the Arbuckles, part of CNRA, was completed on Rock Creek in 1966. [3]
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1910 | 12,744 | — | |
1920 | 13,115 | 2.9% | |
1930 | 12,410 | −5.4% | |
1940 | 13,841 | 11.5% | |
1950 | 10,775 | −22.2% | |
1960 | 10,622 | −1.4% | |
1970 | 10,669 | 0.4% | |
1980 | 12,147 | 13.9% | |
1990 | 12,042 | −0.9% | |
2000 | 12,623 | 4.8% | |
2010 | 13,488 | 6.9% | |
2020 | 13,904 | 3.1% | |
U.S. Decennial Census [6] 1790-1960 [7] 1900-1990 [8] 1990-2000 [9] 2010 [10] |
As of the census [11] of 2000, there were 12,623 people, 5,003 households, and 3,587 families residing in the county. The population density was 12/km2 (31/sq mi). There were 6,479 housing units at an average density of 6/km2 (16/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was 80.76% White, 1.90% Black or African American, 11.57% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.16% from other races, and 4.26% from two or more races. 3.15% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 5,003 households, out of which 30.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.70% were married couples living together, 10.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.30% were non-families. 25.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.20% under the age of 18, 8.00% from 18 to 24, 25.10% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 18.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 97.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,294, and the median income for a family was $37,303. Males had a median income of $28,381 versus $19,727 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,084. About 11.10% of families and 14.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.90% of those under age 18 and 15.10% of those age 65 or over.
Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of June 30, 2023 [12] | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Party | Number of Voters | Percentage | |||
Democratic | 2,844 | 35.08% | |||
Republican | 4,084 | 50.37% | |||
Others | 1,180 | 14.55% | |||
Total | 8,108 | 100% |
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 4,612 | 78.25% | 1,156 | 19.61% | 126 | 2.14% |
2016 | 4,175 | 75.52% | 1,087 | 19.66% | 266 | 4.81% |
2012 | 3,606 | 70.07% | 1,540 | 29.93% | 0 | 0.00% |
2008 | 3,746 | 70.18% | 1,592 | 29.82% | 0 | 0.00% |
2004 | 3,665 | 63.24% | 2,130 | 36.76% | 0 | 0.00% |
2000 | 2,609 | 53.01% | 2,263 | 45.98% | 50 | 1.02% |
1996 | 1,712 | 33.78% | 2,620 | 51.70% | 736 | 14.52% |
1992 | 1,536 | 27.49% | 2,594 | 46.42% | 1,458 | 26.09% |
1988 | 2,056 | 42.89% | 2,697 | 56.26% | 41 | 0.86% |
1984 | 3,073 | 57.47% | 2,229 | 41.69% | 45 | 0.84% |
1980 | 2,494 | 49.22% | 2,384 | 47.05% | 189 | 3.73% |
1976 | 1,563 | 34.46% | 2,932 | 64.64% | 41 | 0.90% |
1972 | 2,983 | 68.23% | 1,294 | 29.60% | 95 | 2.17% |
1968 | 1,454 | 34.18% | 1,773 | 41.68% | 1,027 | 24.14% |
1964 | 1,236 | 28.62% | 3,083 | 71.38% | 0 | 0.00% |
1960 | 1,993 | 48.35% | 2,129 | 51.65% | 0 | 0.00% |
1956 | 1,809 | 42.16% | 2,482 | 57.84% | 0 | 0.00% |
1952 | 1,885 | 39.66% | 2,868 | 60.34% | 0 | 0.00% |
1948 | 798 | 20.72% | 3,054 | 79.28% | 0 | 0.00% |
1944 | 1,005 | 27.79% | 2,602 | 71.96% | 9 | 0.25% |
1940 | 1,238 | 28.26% | 3,126 | 71.35% | 17 | 0.39% |
1936 | 823 | 20.44% | 3,181 | 78.99% | 23 | 0.57% |
1932 | 532 | 14.70% | 3,086 | 85.30% | 0 | 0.00% |
1928 | 1,631 | 51.53% | 1,498 | 47.33% | 36 | 1.14% |
1924 | 784 | 26.00% | 2,083 | 69.09% | 148 | 4.91% |
1920 | 1,362 | 42.21% | 1,744 | 54.04% | 121 | 3.75% |
1916 | 458 | 21.61% | 1,305 | 61.59% | 356 | 16.80% |
1912 | 321 | 17.23% | 987 | 52.98% | 555 | 29.79% |
Farming and ranching were the basis of the economy during the time when the area was part of the Chickasaw Nation. The area was called "the Prairie of Eden" because its plentiful grasslands attracted abundant game, Chickasaw ranchers Noah Lael and Perry Froman operated and headquartered near Sulphur by 1881. Settlements of farmers and businesses expanded through the decade, spurred by the construction of rail lines by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway lines through to Dougherty and Davis in 1886–87. Post offices were established at Dougherty in 1887 and Davis in 1890. [3]
Cattle ranching, the other primary industry, continued into the twenty-first century, and Murray County has long been recognized as the center of "Hereford Heaven." Notable ranching operations included those of Oklahoma Gov. Roy J. Turner. On New Year's Eve, 1947, the Flying L Ranch near Davis was the site for the marriage of Roy Rogers, "King of the Cowboys," and Dale Evans. [3]
The location of the Oklahoma School for the Deaf at Sulphur in 1907, and a veterans center added to the region's economy. Limestone quarries were also significant. The most important example of this activity began in the 1890s at Big Canyon, home to operations of the Dolese Brothers, whose company became a major state employer. [3]
School districts include: [14]
Oklahoma School for the Deaf is in Sulphur.
Pontotoc County is in the south central part of Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, the population was 38,065. Its county seat is Ada. The county was created at statehood from part of the Chickasaw Nation in Indian Territory. It was named for a historic Chickasaw tribal area in Mississippi. According to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, Pontotoc is usually translated "cattail prairie" or "land of hanging grapes."
McClain County is a county located in south central Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, the population was 41,662. Its county seat is Purcell. The county was named for Charles M. McClain, an Oklahoma constitutional convention attendee.
Marshall County is a county located on the south central border of Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,312. Its county seat is Madill. The county was created at statehood in 1907 from the former Pickens County of the Chickasaw Nation. It was named to honor the maiden name of the mother of George Henshaw, a member of the 1906 Oklahoma Constitutional Convention. The county and its cities are part of the Texoma region.
Love County is a county on the southern border of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,146. Its county seat is Marietta. The county was created at statehood in 1907 and named for Overton Love, a prominent Chickasaw farmer, entrepreneur and politician.
Johnston County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,272. Its county seat is Tishomingo. It was established at statehood on November 16, 1907, and named for Douglas H. Johnston, a governor of the Chickasaw Nation.
Grady County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, the population was 54,795. Its county seat is Chickasha. It was named for Henry W. Grady, an editor of the Atlanta Constitution and southern orator.
Garvin County is a county in south-central Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,656. Its county seat is Pauls Valley. In 1906, delegates to Constitution Convention formed Garvin County from part of the Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory. The county was named for Samuel J. Garvin, a local Chickasaw rancher, merchant and banker. Its economy is largely based on farming, ranching and oil production.
Carter County is a county in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, the population was 48,003. Its county seat is Ardmore. The county was named for Captain Ben W. Carter, a Cherokee who lived among the Chickasaw.
Caddo County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, the population was 26,945. Its county seat is Anadarko. Created in 1901 as part of Oklahoma Territory, the county is named for the Caddo tribe who were settled here on a reservation in the 1870s. Caddo County is immediately west of the seven-county Greater Oklahoma City metro area, and although is not officially in the metro area, it has many economic ties in this region.
Bryan County is a county in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, the population was 46,067. Its county seat is Durant. It is the only county in the United States named for Democratic politician William Jennings Bryan.
Gene Autry is a town in Carter County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 154 at the time of the 2020 census, down just slightly from the 158 reported in the 2010 census. It is part of the Ardmore, Oklahoma Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Healdton is a city in Carter County, Oklahoma, United States. Its population was 2,788 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ardmore micropolitan statistical area.
Springer is a town in Carter County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, the community had 685 residents. It is part of the Ardmore, Oklahoma Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Lindsay is a city in Garvin County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 2,840 at the 2010 census. It once promoted itself as "The Broomcorn Capital of the World" but no longer uses that slogan, as broomcorn is no longer raised in the area.
Maysville is a town in Garvin and McClain counties, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 1,232 at the 2010 census, down from 1,313 in 2000.
Tishomingo is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Johnston County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 3,034 at the 2010 census, a decline of 4.1 percent from the figure of 3,162 in 2000. It was the first capital of the Chickasaw Nation, from 1856 until Oklahoma statehood in 1907. The city is home to Murray State College, a community college with an annual enrollment of 3,015 students. Tishomingo is part of the Texoma region.
Dougherty is a town in Murray County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 224 at the 2000 census.
Sulphur is a city in and county seat of Murray County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 5,065 at the 2020 census, a 2.8 percent gain over the figure of 4,929 in 2010. The area around Sulphur has been noted for its mineral springs, since well before the city was founded late in the 19th century. The city received its name from the presence of sulfur in the water.
Davis is a city in Garvin and Murray counties in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The population is 2,823 as of the 2020 census.
South Central Oklahoma is an amorphous region in the state of Oklahoma, perhaps encompassing 10 counties. It is centered on the Arbuckle Mountains, an ancient, eroded range traversing some 70 miles (110 km) across the region, and surrounded by rivers and lakes, notably Lake Texoma, Lake Murray and Lake of the Arbuckles. For tourism purposes, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism has more narrowly defined South Central Oklahoma, which they refer to as Chickasaw Country, as being a seven-county region including Pontotoc, Johnston, Marshall, Garvin, Murray, Carter, and Love counties. A ten-county definition might also include Coal, Atoka, and Bryan counties, although the Department of Tourism includes those in Choctaw Country. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma covers the eastern third of the region. Its headquarters is in Durant, and its capitol building, now a museum, is in Tuskahoma. The Chickasaw Nation lies within the region, with the tribal capitol building located at Tishomingo and its headquarters in Ada. The Chickasaw Nation, which runs "Chickasawcountry.com"., promotes the idea of Chickasaw Country as the 13 south-central Oklahoma counties that comprise the Chickasaw Nation, being the Tourism Department’s seven counties plus Coal, Bryan, Jefferson, Stephens, Grady, and McClain counties.