Our History

The area has an Indian heritage stretching back into history, this part of the continent was claimed by Spain in the sixteenth century because of the explorations of DeSoto and Coronado, by France because of LaSalle's explorations and his claim of all territory drained by the Mississippi River, and by England because of explorations along the Atlantic coast.

It was received by Spain as part of the Louisiana Territory through 1762-63 treaties. By secret treaty Spain, in 1800, was ready to cede the area to France, but the United States undertook negotiations which resulted in the Louisiana Purchase 1803.

After the Civil War, the government held that the Indian treaties should be rewritten, in that some of the Indians had fought against the Union. As a result, the Five Civilized Tribes agreed, in 1866, that other Indians should be settled in the western half of the Indian Territory. Cattlemen soon gained access to this land, but farmers were forbidden to settle it. Those who entered were driven out by federal troops. Beef cattle by the thousands were driven from Texas up the Chisholm Trail to Kansas, and soon cattle leases covered the Cherokee Outlet.

Agitation for opening the public lands increased. The "Boomers" talked up the idea, spreading information as to "Free Land--Free Homes" throughout the nation. David L. Payne, Davy Crockett's cousin, and later, W. L. Couch, brought groups illegally into the territory in futile attempts to settle. Through cattlemen and Indians opposed, farmers and railroad companies persisted, and on March 2, 1889, as one of his last acts as president, Grover Cleveland signed the bill which provided for the gradual growth of Oklahoma Territory as negotiations with Indian tribes made more land available to settlers.

The Oklahoma Territory period was 1890-1906, and statehood was the next goal sought. The lands of the strip had previously been surveyed during the years 1872-73. The railroads already had routes across the Strip prior to the opening. The Strip contained 9,000 square miles in its oblong outline of 58 miles wide and 175 miles long. The Cherokee Outlet, and the part of it commonly called the Cherokee Strip, are a colorful chapter in Oklahoma history. The 1893 run was not the first land run in the state, but it was without question the largest land run ever held, involving an estimated 100,000 people. By the opening of the Cherokee Outlet, there were added to the settled and organized portions of Oklahoma seven new counties, designated as K, L, M , N, O, P and Q. The names adopted by vote of the people of these counties respectively were Kay, Grant, Woods, Woodward, Garfield, Noble and Pawnee.

County M became Woods County. Then, at the Statehood Convention in 1907, Woods County was divided into three counties, which were given the names of Woods, Major and Alfalfa. Much of the western portion of the Outlet remained unoccupied until about 1900.

Nineteenth century Oklahoma was the last refuge of the red man, coveted by the cattleman, sought by land-hungry "Boomers", and finally settled in the most dramatic series of land openings in the world's history. The glamour of the Great Land Run of 1893 to settle the Cherokee Outlet attracted the active, the strong and the adventurous. Here on the desolate and lonely prairie they wrestled with nature. They rebuilt after floods and replanted after droughts. They established with their bare hands and crude instruments homes. They built churches and schools. They lived close to God and nature. Christianity and brotherly love was accepted as the governing law.

Years passed--heating water on an old pot-bellied stove, washing on a scrub board, ironing with flat irons. Then Coleman lamps for lighting and a gas iron, and a new Congoleum rug for the living room. The pioneers had begun to prosper. Then on December 19, 1929 the banks declared a holiday, the 1930 depression, the 25 cents a bushel wheat era and the W.P.A. days.

In the 1930's and 40' the "crank and holler" telephones were the main source of communications. There were 10 or 12 families on one line. The central office operator was the main source of information. The 1940's brought the war years for all of this country and Alfalfa County sent their brave and their proud to serve our county. Food staples, tires and fuel were scarce and rationing was the norm. Of course this meant higher agricultural prices and the family farms prospered. Following the war, farm prices remained fairly stable and new ranch style homes and hay storage sheds were built. Agriculture of the area ceased to be diversified and wheat and stocker cattle became the main enterprises.

Oil and gas discoveries gained and by the 1960's the supplement income for local land owners from the production created a major boom for the area. However, this was rather short lived with the "oil and gas bust" of the '80s. This hastened the outgrowth of the county population.

As we enter the 21st century, most realize that tourism and families and retirees relocating to the area will be the next cycle for the county to experience. As one looks at the demographics, climate, topography and area amenities, (see Community page) one realizes the area is ripe for re-settling by those disenchanted with the metropolitan areas. With computers and the ability to operate businesses from home-based operations, the area will beckon many to enjoy the relaxed and friendly life style. Aline and Alfalfa County proudly marches into the 21st century.

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