According to mcat-test-centers.com, Carter County is located in south central Oklahoma and is part of the Arbuckle Mountains region. It is bounded by Love County to the north, Johnston County to the east, Murray County to the south, and Jefferson County to the west. The county was created in 1907 from Choctaw lands that were opened for settlement after Indian Removal in the 1830s. It was named for Charles Carter, a prominent Choctaw leader during this period. The county seat is Ardmore, which was established in 1887 and named for Ardmore, Ireland.
The population of Carter County was 45,813 as of 2019 estimates. About 64% of residents identified as White non-Hispanic, 19% identified as Hispanic or Latino regardless of race, 13% identified as Native American or Alaska Native alone or in combination with other races, and 5% identified as Black or African American alone or in combination with other races. The median household income in Carter County was $42,098 per year according to 2018 estimates.
The economy of Carter County is largely based on agriculture and oil production. Major crops grown include wheat, cotton, soybeans and hay. Petroleum production has been a major industry since 1926 when oil was first discovered near Wilson. Today, there are over 3200 active oil wells spread throughout the county and it is one of the top oil-producing counties in Oklahoma. Other major industries include manufacturing and healthcare services; these two sectors account for over 40% of total employment in Carter County according to 2018 estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
History of Carter County, Oklahoma
Carter County, Oklahoma was created in 1907 from Choctaw lands that were opened for settlement after Indian Removal in the 1830s. It was named for Charles Carter, a prominent Choctaw leader during this period. The county seat is Ardmore, which was established in 1887 and named for Ardmore, Ireland.
Prior to the arrival of European settlers, what is now Carter County was home to numerous Native American tribes including the Caddo, Comanche, Kiowa and Chickasaw. In 1830 President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act which resulted in the removal of many Native American tribes from their ancestral lands. By 1837 most of the Choctaw had been relocated to Oklahoma and other areas of Indian Territory.
Oil production has been a major industry since 1926 when oil was first discovered near Wilson. This discovery triggered an economic boom that brought new people to Carter County and helped spur development throughout south central Oklahoma. The Great Depression of 1929-1939 caused severe economic hardship for many residents but things improved with World War II when local industries began producing goods for the war effort. After the war ended Carter County continued to grow as more people moved into the area seeking employment opportunities in oil production and manufacturing as well as healthcare services.
Today, Carter County is still largely based on agriculture and oil production with major crops grown including wheat, cotton, soybeans and hay while petroleum production remains a major industry due to over 3200 active oil wells spread throughout the county according to 2018 estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The population of Carter County was 45,813 as of 2019 estimates with about 64% identifying as White non-Hispanic, and 19% identifying as Hispanic or Latino regardless of race, 13% identifying as Native American or Alaska Native alone or in combination with other races, and 5% identifying as Black or African American alone or in combination with other races.
Major cities and towns in Carter County, Oklahoma
Ardmore is the county seat of Carter County and the largest city in the area with a population of around 25,000. Located in the southern part of the county, Ardmore was established in 1887 and named after Ardmore, Ireland. The city is home to numerous attractions including the Goddard Center for Visual and Performing Arts, Greater Southwest Historical Museum and Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum.
Wilson is located just north of Ardmore and is home to around 3,000 residents. Established in 1895 as a farming community, Wilson’s economy was transformed when oil was discovered in 1926. Today, Wilson is known for its historic downtown district which includes several notable buildings such as the former Carter County Courthouse which dates back to 1911.
Healdton is located about 10 miles northwest of Ardmore and has a population of around 1,800 people. Established in 1900 as an oil boomtown, Healdton has since become known for its annual Healdton Rattlesnake Hunt Festival which takes place every April since 1938.
Lone Grove is located about 15 miles east of Ardmore with a population of around 5,400 people. Established as a farming community in 1901, Lone Grove experienced significant growth after oil was discovered nearby during World War II when local industries began producing goods for the war effort.
Gene Autry is located about 20 miles east of Ardmore with a population of around 800 people. Named after country music star Gene Autry who once owned land here, Gene Autry’s main attraction today is the Gene Autry Museum which showcases artifacts from his life and career as well as Native American artifacts from nearby tribes such as the Caddo Nation.
Other notable cities and towns within Carter County include Fox (population 899), Dickson (population 2,100), Ratliff City (population 537) and Springer (population 679). These towns are all relatively small but offer their own unique attractions such as Fox’s historic Red River Valley Depot built in 1908 or Ratliff City’s Rattlesnake Creek Park which features hiking trails and picnic areas surrounded by Lake Murray State Park’s scenic beauty.
Postal codes in Carter County, Oklahoma
According to Countryaah, Carter County, Oklahoma is served by two zip codes: 73401 and 73402. The 73401 zip code covers the cities of Ardmore, Wilson, Healdton and Lone Grove. The 73402 zip code covers the cities of Gene Autry, Fox, Dickson, Ratliff City and Springer.
Ardmore is the largest city in Carter County with a population of around 25,000 people. The city is located in south-central Oklahoma and is known for its oil industry as well as its cultural attractions such as the Goddard Center for Visual and Performing Arts, Greater Southwest Historical Museum and Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum. The 73401 zip code serves all of Ardmore’s residents.
Wilson is located just north of Ardmore with a population of around 3,000 people. Established in 1895 as a farming community, Wilson’s economy was transformed when oil was discovered in 1926. Today, Wilson is known for its historic downtown district which includes several notable buildings such as the former Carter County Courthouse which dates back to 1911. All residents living within Wilson are served by the 73401 zip code.
Healdton is located about 10 miles northwest of Ardmore with a population of around 1,800 people. Established in 1900 as an oil boomtown, Healdton has since become known for its annual Healdton Rattlesnake Hunt Festival which takes place every April since 1938. All residents living within Healdton are served by the 73401 zip code.
Lone Grove is located about 15 miles east of Ardmore with a population of around 5,400 people. Established as a farming community in 1901 Lone Grove experienced significant growth after oil was discovered nearby during World War II when local industries began producing goods for the war effort. All residents living within Lone Grove are served by the 73401 zip code.
Gene Autry is located about 20 miles east of Ardmore with a population of around 800 people and named after country music star Gene Autry who once owned land here The town’s main attraction today is the Gene Autry Museum which showcases artifacts from his life and career as well as Native American artifacts from nearby tribes such as the Caddo Nation. All residents living within Gene Autry are served by the 73402 zip code.
Fox (population 899), Dickson (population 2,100), Ratliff City (population 537) and Springer (population 679) are all relatively small towns but offer their own unique attractions such as Fox’s historic Red River Valley Depot built in 1908 or Ratliff City’s Rattlesnake Creek Park which features hiking trails and picnic areas surrounded by Lake Murray State Park’s scenic beauty. All residents living within these towns are served by either one or both zip codes depending on their exact location.