| Prosperity from the Get-go Sitting about 40 miles north of the Red River, Ardmore was at first a fledgling trading center within the Chickasaw Indian Nation. Anglos began settling the area when they realized that the fertile lands surrounding the town, coupled with a fairly mild climate, allowed perfect conditions for cattle grazing and farming (mostly cotton). Once the Santa Fe rail road laid its tracks in 1887, Ardmore was born - the rail road execs named the new townsite after a rail town in Pennsylvania. Although a bad fire in 1895 destroyed much of the town, it was rebuilt bigger and better than ever - and by statehood, it already boasted the first public school in Oklahoma. Its expansion mirrored the growth of Oklahoma. When oil was discovered in 1910, Ardmore's prosperity manifested itself in a dazzling downtown. But with riches, oil fields brought their own tragedies, too - like the 1915 disaster, where a rail road tanker full of gas exploded, leveling the depot and several downtown buildings. Still Growing Today, Ardmore continues to play a big part in Oklahoma's economy, and even in Texas history - it's the place where Texas Democrats fled when they went on strike in May 2003. The city is also the anchor for regional tourism and is home to a branch of Murray State College, a branch of East Central University, and the Oklahoma State Horse Shoeing School. Quite fitting for a ranching center! Things to See and Do Ardmore's location and amenities lends itself to a good weekend get-a-way. The walking tour of its Art Deco downtown, including Heritage Hall, is worth the drive alone. The 1910 courthouse which, oddly enough, faces an alley, has been restored. Then, check out the large number of WPA buildings, like the Hardy Murphy Coliseum and the old Armory building, which is now the Greater Southwest Museum. This museum hides local history treasures, including an electric car and a fully restored homesteader cabin. For more information, call 580-226-3857. Across the street from the museum you'll find the first cabin (dogtrot style) built by Anglo settlers in what would become Ardmore. The nature lover is bound to have a good time in Ardmore. To the north are the Arbuckle mountains, home to Turner Falls Park (580-369-2917) and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area complete with scenic drives and nature trails. South of town is Lake Murray State Park (580-223-4044), with the picturesque, WPA-built Tucker Tower Nature Center. Ardmore also has a great selection of eclectic restaurants and stores. The downtown area is chock full of funky specialty shops that gives the city the feel of a college town. It's a great place to visit - so if you're in the mood for a an Ardmore road trip, call the Chamber of Commerce at 580-223-776, the Ardmore Tourism Authority at 580-221-5118, or log on to visitsunnyardmore.com. |
| The Ardmore courthouse looks exactly like the Gainesville TX courthouse, 50 miles south. Oddly, the courthouse is behind downtown. |
| The Greater Southwest Museum's building was built by the WPA. |
| The Hamburger Inn in downtown Ardmore. |
| Ardmore - where trees make fun of you |
| Patient sculpture at Greater Southwest Museum. |
| How to Get There Ardmore is 30 miles north of the Red River on Interstate 35. You can visualize that by clicking on the map! |
Parallel Path to Statehood
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