Lawton, OK

Lawton, Oklahoma

Introduction to Lawton, Oklahoma

Lawton is located in the south western portion of Oklahoma, close to the Wichita Mountains in Comanche County. The city is the cultural and commercial center for the region. Lawton is known for huge granite deposits as well as cotton. The city has been included on the Forbes' List of the "Best Small Places for Business and Careers."

History

Indian tribes had taken advantage of the natural resources offered in South West Oklahoma's Wichita Mountains such as wildlife, water and vegetation. Fort Sill was constructed in 1869 in the hostile Indian Territory. The city was named in tribute to Henry Lawton, the quartermaster at Fort Sill who partook in the capture of the well known Apache leader, Geronimo. He was taken to Fort Sill and placed in jail in 1894.

In 1901 the Rock Island Railroad arrived and a lottery was held for homestead claims for Lawton. One year after the lottery was completed, approximately 100 saloons had been established. Banks and stores were quickly open for business.

Gambling was a major activity until it was declared illegal in 1907. The huge population growth causes serious public health problems and led to a shortage of water and disregard for the law. the Indians resided outside of the city but often entered Lawton in order to conduct business. After World War II ended the city experienced a steady growth in population.

Activities

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife and Refuge is popular with hikers, rock climbing enthusiasts and tourists. The refuge features buffalo, elk, deer and numerous other animal and plant species. Popular destinations in the refuge include Holy City of Wichita, Lake Lawtonka, Quanah Parker Lake & Dam, Mount Scott and Quartz Mountain Nature Park. Lake Ellsworth is a popular location for outdoor activities.

Attractions and Entertainment

• Medicine Park, located in the Wichita Mountains is a popular resort town which features structures made from naturally formed red granite cobblestones.
• McMahon Memorial Auditorium offers ballet performances, a variety of concerts and Broadway shows.
• Pioneer Heritage Town Site Center is a museum complex which portrays the life of residents during the 1920's.
• Lawton Community Theatre offers plays and musicals.
• Little Chapel is a restored Gothic Revival Church.
• Mattie Beal Home is situated on a large acreage and features Greek Revival style architecture and includes impressive woodwork and stained glass.
• Museum of the Great Plains offers exhibits on the history of the Great Plains of North America.
• Percussive Arts Society Museum features percussion instruments from all over the world.

Higher Education

Lawton is home to Cameron University.

High Points

Lawton strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Oklahoma):

Category	Trophy
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 1%
Affordability of Property Taxes (vs. Peers)	Top 4%
Public Transportation Use (vs. State)	Top 5%
Short Commute Times (vs. Peers)	Top 6%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. State)	Top 6%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 11%
College Educated Adults (vs. State)	Top 13%
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. State)	Top 14%

Comparative Profile of Lawton, OK

Comparing Lawton to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Oklahoma (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Male Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Racial Diversity
Senior Citizens
Well-Paid Single Men
Age of the Population
Female Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Property Taxes
Affordability of Rents
Housing Recently Built
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
People Living Alone
Seasonal and Vacation Housing

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Lawton Almanac

Lawton Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Lawton Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Lawton Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Lawton residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Lawton, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Lawton Hospitals

SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
(Proprietary)
5602 SOUTHWEST LEE BOULEVARD
(580) 531-4700
Emergency Service: Yes

COMANCHE COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
(Government - Hospital District or Authority)
3401 WEST GORE BOULVARD
(580) 355-8620
Emergency Service: Yes

USPHS LAWTON INDIAN HOSPITAL
(Government - Federal)
1515 LAWRIE TATUM ROAD
(580) 353-0350
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Lawton

Wal-Mart in Lawton

Lawton High Schools (2004)

EISENHOWER HS
5202 W. GORE
580-355-9144
Serves 1,380 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 19.5

LAWTON HS
601 NW FT. SILL BLVD
580-355-5170
Serves 1,294 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 21.7

MACARTHUR HS
4400 EAST GORE BOULEVARD
580-355-5230
Serves 777 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 17

Lawton Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Cameron University

Eves College of Hairstyling

Great Plains Technology Center

(List of All Oklahoma Colleges)

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