History Unveiled: A Journey Through Time
From Land Lottery to Thriving Community
The story of Lawton begins with one of America's most dramatic moments of frontier expansion—the Land Run of 1901. Unlike the instantaneous land runs that characterized earlier Oklahoma settlement, Lawton's founding came through a more organized but equally exciting land lottery. On August 6, 1901, the federal government opened approximately 2 million acres of former Kiowa-Comanche-Apache Reservation lands to settlement, with Lawton designated as one of three townsites. Thousands gathered in intense summer heat, their names drawn from revolving hoppers, each winner rushing to claim their piece of this new frontier. Within hours, a city emerged where only prairie had stood before.
Named after Major General Henry W. Lawton, a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient who later died in the Philippine-American War, the community's identity has been shaped by this dramatic beginning—a place of opportunity, reinvention, and determined growth. As you walk Lawton's streets today, you're tracing paths first laid out by surveyors just before that momentous lottery, with the city's original grid still visible in the downtown area.
- Originally platted for 25,000 residents before a single structure existed—a testament to the optimistic vision of its founders
- Grew from tents and hasty wooden structures to a proper city within months, showcasing the remarkable determination of its original settlers
- Named to honor a military hero, foreshadowing the important role military service would play in the community's development
- Established with deliberate planning uncommon for frontier towns, including wide streets and designated areas for commerce and governance
The Fort Sill Connection
Perhaps no relationship has been more significant to Lawton's development than its connection to Fort Sill, established in 1869 as part of the U.S. Army's campaign against Plains Indian tribes. What began as a frontier outpost has evolved into one of the Army's largest and most important installations, home to the U.S. Army Field Artillery School and multiple other training programs. The fort predates Lawton itself, and the city grew largely in response to the needs of this military community.
This military presence has profoundly shaped Lawton's character, bringing diversity, economic stability, and a unique cultural mix not typically found in cities of similar size. As a healthcare professional in Lawton, you'll care for military personnel, veterans, and their families, becoming part of a community that deeply understands service and sacrifice.
- Fort Sill was established three decades before Lawton, with the city developing largely to support the military installation
- Designated as a National Historic Landmark, Fort Sill preserves important aspects of frontier military history, including the original stone corral and the grave of Apache leader Geronimo
- Contributed to Lawton's unusually diverse population throughout its history, with personnel from across the nation and around the world stationed at the fort
- Created an enduring culture of respect for service and sacrifice that remains central to Lawton's community identity
Growth and Diversification
From its dramatic founding day, Lawton has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. The post-World War II era brought significant expansion as Fort Sill's importance grew, with the population nearly doubling between 1940 and 1960. The city continued to evolve beyond its military foundations, developing diverse economic sectors including healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
The establishment of Cameron University in 1908 (first as an agricultural high school before evolving into a state university) added an important educational dimension to the community. Similarly, the growth of healthcare services, including Comanche County Memorial Hospital, transformed Lawton into a regional medical center serving southwest Oklahoma and portions of north Texas.
- Experienced steady growth throughout the 20th century, evolving from a frontier town to a modern regional hub
- Weathered economic challenges through diversification beyond military dependence
- Developed significant healthcare infrastructure, becoming a destination for medical services throughout the region
- Invested in cultural institutions like the Museum of the Great Plains and the Leslie Powell Foundation Gallery, enhancing quality of life
- Embraced its multicultural heritage through celebrations like the International Festival, which has become a community tradition
Heritage Visible Today
As you explore Lawton today, you'll encounter numerous touchpoints with this rich history. The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum offers a tangible connection to the area's frontier past. Downtown Lawton features several buildings dating to the early 20th century, while the Mattie Beal Home preserves the residence of one of the original land lottery winners who became a prominent civic leader.
This sense of connection to the past creates a distinctive character that separates Lawton from newer, less historically grounded communities. Unlike cities that seem to have sprouted overnight, Lawton offers a sense of place and continuity—qualities increasingly valued in our transient society.
- Home to the Museum of the Great Plains, which documents the cultural and natural history of the Southern Plains
- Preserves historical structures including the Carnegie Library building, now repurposed for community use
- Features numerous historical markers throughout the city that tell the story of significant events and locations
- Maintains Fort Sill's historic quadrangle as one of the most complete frontier-era military installations in the nation
In Lawton, history isn't confined to museums—it's woven into the community's daily life. This connection to the past creates a sense of rootedness and authenticity that enhances the experience of living here. As a healthcare professional, you'll become part of this ongoing story, contributing to a community that values both its heritage and its future.
