Vernon, Oklahoma

Vernon, Oklahoma
Unincorporated community
Vernon
Location within the state of Oklahoma
Vernon
Vernon (the US)
Coordinates: 35°12′56″N 95°55′33″W / 35.21556°N 95.92583°W / 35.21556; -95.92583Coordinates: 35°12′56″N 95°55′33″W / 35.21556°N 95.92583°W / 35.21556; -95.92583
Country United States
State Oklahoma
County McIntosh
Elevation 696 ft (212 m)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
GNIS feature ID 1099244

Vernon is an unincorporated community in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, United States. Its elevation is 696 feet (212 m).[1]

History

Vernon was established in 1911 as an all-black community, and is one of thirteen such that still exists. It was named for Bishop W. T. Vernon of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.[2]

The Fort Smith and Western Railway, which opened in 1899 and closed in 1939, operated through the town. The FS&W served major coal mining operations in eastern Oklahoma at Coal Creek, Bokoshe and McCurtain. Other towns served included Crowder, Okemah, Boley, Prague, Vernon, Indianola and Meridian. A major portion of the road's freight traffic was metallurgical-grade coal from San Bois Coal Company mines near McCurtain. However, the railroad was ultimately abandoned after the Great Depression.

A post office was established in 1920, in what was grocery and dry goods store; the building, known as The Rock Front, later became a tavern and pool hall and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.[3]

The community is also home to a cemetery.[4][5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Vernon, Oklahoma
  2. ↑ O'Dell, Larry. "Vernon". Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History & Culture. Oklahoma Historical Society. Retrieved 2012-05-23.
  3. ↑ "The Rock Front". National Register Properties in Oklahoma. Retrieved 2012-08-20.
  4. ↑ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Vernon Cemetery
  5. ↑ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Vernon Post Office
  6. ↑ O'Dell, Larry. "All-Black Towns". Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History & Culture. Oklahoma Historical Society. Archived from the original on 2012-11-03. Retrieved 2012-08-19.

Further reading

  • Overall, Michael (April 9, 2018). "Mayor Hopes to Preserve Historic Black Town in Oklahoma". U.S. News and World Report. Retrieved October 6, 2018.


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