Prosperity from the Get-go
Sitting about 30 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, 60 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.
A laughing tree!
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