According to Countryaah, Atoka County is located in the southeastern region of Oklahoma. It is bordered by Coal, Johnston, Marshall, and Pushmataha Counties to the north; Pittsburg and Latimer Counties to the east; Choctaw County to the south; and Bryan County to the west. The county seat is Atoka, which was established in 1876 when a post office opened there.
Atoka County covers an area of 674 square miles and has a population of 14,026 people as of 2020. The county is known for its rich agricultural heritage with many farms located throughout the area. The county also has numerous lakes which provide recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating.
The main economic activities in Atoka County are related to agriculture, timber production, oil production, natural gas production, manufacturing, transportation services, and retail trade. The county also has a number of historic sites including Fort Coffee Historic Site which marks an old trading post from 1837-1838; Atoka National Cemetery which serves as a final resting place for veterans from multiple wars; and Tushka Homma Park which features trails for hiking and biking.
Atoka County offers visitors a variety of attractions including museums such as the Atoka County Museum of History & Culture; outdoor activities like fishing at Lake Atoka or camping at McGee Creek State Park; shopping at local stores in downtown Atoka; or just enjoying some peace and quiet while exploring its many scenic areas such as Boggy Depot State Park or McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Atoka County offers something for everyone with its diverse landscape ranging from rolling hills to open prairies to dense forests. With easy access to bordering counties such as Coal, Johnston, Marshall, Pushmataha, Pittsburg and Latimer counties it’s easy for visitors to explore all that this unique area has to offer.
Demographics of Atoka County, Oklahoma
Atoka County is a diverse area with a population of 14,026 people as of 2020. The majority of the population (64.1%) is white, while Native American/Alaskan Native (26.7%) and African American (7.2%) make up the remaining population. The median age in Atoka County is 41 years old and the median household income is $47,608, which is slightly below the national average of $57,652.
The largest industry in Atoka County is agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting with 11.5% of the workforce employed in this sector. Other major industries include retail trade (9%), manufacturing (8%), transportation services (6%), and construction (5%).
Atoka County has an Overall, lower educational attainment rate than the national average with only 19% of adults having achieved at least a bachelor’s degree compared to 33% nationally. However, this number has been steadily increasing over recent years as more citizens pursue higher education opportunities and job training programs available to them through local colleges and universities as well as online programs offered by local businesses or organizations such as career centers or vocational schools.
Atoka County also has a higher poverty rate than the national average with 19% of its residents living below the poverty line compared to 13% nationally. This is primarily due to low wages in many of its industries combined with inadequate access to health care services for those who are unable to afford private insurance plans or government-subsidized health care options such as Medicaid or Medicare.
Overall, Atoka County offers its residents a unique combination of rural living combined with various recreational activities such as fishing at Lake Atoka or camping at McGee Creek State Park as well as numerous historic sites including Fort Coffee Historic Site and Tushka Homma Park which feature trails for hiking and biking.
Places of Interest in Atoka County, Oklahoma
Atoka County is home to numerous places of interest that make it a great destination for tourists and locals alike. The county is home to McGee Creek State Park, which offers an array of outdoor activities including camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and more. Lake Atoka is also a popular destination for fishing and boating. This lake is surrounded by wooded areas and wildlife preserves, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
For those interested in the area’s history, Fort Coffee Historic Site and Tushka Homma Park offer trails for hiking and biking as well as historic sites to explore. These sites provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the area’s rich history while also enjoying the outdoors.
Atoka County also features several cultural attractions including the Atoka County Museum which houses exhibits on local history as well as artifacts from Native American tribes that once lived in the area. The Atoka County Courthouse is another interesting landmark in town that has been serving the community since 1875. Other attractions include a variety of art galleries featuring local artists’ work as well as wineries offering tastings of their award-winning wines.
Atoka County also has its share of unique shopping opportunities with several antique stores located throughout the county. There are also plenty of restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world including Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and more so there are plenty of options when it comes to dining out in Atoka County.
Overall, Atoka County is full of interesting sights and activities that make it a great place to visit or call home. From outdoor adventures like camping or fishing at Lake Atoka to exploring historic sites or enjoying some local cuisine at one of its many restaurants – there’s something for everyone in this unique county in Oklahoma.
Notable People of Atoka County, Oklahoma
Atoka County is home to a number of notable people who have made significant contributions to the area. Native American tribes including Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole have called the area home for centuries and their influence can still be felt in the region today. Chief Greenwood LeFlore was a prominent leader of the Choctaw Nation during the 19th century who served as a diplomat between Native Americans and federal government officials.
Other notable figures from Atoka County include U.S. Senator Robert S. Kerr who served in the Senate from 1949 to 1963 and was an advocate for civil rights and social justice reforms during his tenure. He is also credited for helping create the Kerr-McGee Corporation which became one of Oklahoma’s largest oil companies in history.
Atoka County is also home to two Medal of Honor recipients – Major General Clarence Tinker who served in World War II as well as Sergeant William McBryar who served during World War I. Both men were brave heroes whose courage and selflessness saved countless lives during their service abroad.
The county has also been home to several prominent musicians including country singer Wanda Jackson, bluegrass musician Homer Ledford, jazz saxophonist Bob Berg, blues guitarist Joe Osborn, and gospel singer Bobby Jones among others. The county’s rich musical heritage continues Today, with numerous live music venues hosting local bands throughout Atoka County featuring everything from country music to blues and jazz.
From Native American leaders like Chief Greenwood LeFlore to Medal of Honor recipients Major General Clarence Tinker and Sergeant William McBryar – Atoka County has long been home to many influential people who have made significant contributions to both their community and beyond.