Beckham County is located in the western part of Oklahoma in the Great Plains region. It is bordered by Roger Mills County to the north, Washita County to the east, Custer and Greer Counties to the south, and Ellis and Dewey Counties to the west. The county seat is Sayre.
Beckham County covers an area of 1,914 square miles, making it one of Oklahoma’s largest counties. It is mostly flat with some rolling hills in the northern part of the county. The terrain consists of grasslands and open prairies with scattered wooded areas along rivers and creeks. The county also has several small lakes scattered throughout its borders.
The climate in Beckham County is a semi-arid one with hot summers where temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August. Winters are cold with temperatures ranging from 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit during January and February. Most precipitation occurs during late spring and early summer months as thunderstorms move through the area bringing much needed rain for local farmers. Snowfall varies greatly from year to year but can reach up to a few inches at times during winter months.
The natural resources found in Beckham County include oil, gas, coal, limestone, sandstone, gravel, clay deposits for pottery making as well as some copper deposits near Elk City which were mined until recently due to low prices for copper on world markets. Other resources include plenty of deer for hunting season as well as abundant.
Country seat and other main cities of Beckham County, Oklahoma
Beckham County is home to the county seat of Sayre, Oklahoma. Sayre is the largest city in the county with a population of 3,256 according to the 2010 census. It is located in the northern part of the county and is known for its historic downtown area and active agricultural community. The city also has a small airport located just outside of town that serves private and commercial flights.
According to COUNTRYAAH, other main cities in Beckham County are Elk City, Erick, Texola, Sweetwater, and Strong City. Elk City is located near the center of the county and serves as a hub for local oil production. It has a population of 11,693 according to 2010 census figures making it one of Oklahoma’s larger cities. The city also offers plenty of shopping opportunities as well as attractions such as the National Route 66 Museum and Elk City Lake which offers fishing and swimming opportunities.
Erick is another small city located in Beckham County with a population of 1,106 according to 2010 census figures. It was founded by German settlers who arrived in 1887 and established businesses such as lumber mills and general stores which still exist today. The town also features several historic buildings including an old hotel that served travelers along Route 66 during its heyday.
Texola is a small unincorporated community located near the Texas border with a population of only 130 residents according to 2010 census figures. It was once an important stop along Route 66 but has since declined due to bypasses being built around it for faster travel times on modern highways. Sweetwater is another small unincorporated community located near Erick with a population of only 76 residents according to 2010 census figures.
Finally, Strong City is an unincorporated community located near Elk City with a population of only 86 residents according to 2010 census figures. It was once an important stop along Route 66 but has since declined due to bypasses being built around it for faster travel times on modern highways.
History of Beckham County, Oklahoma
Beckham County, Oklahoma is located in the western part of the state and was created in 1907. It was named after an early settler, James A. Beckham. The county is home to a variety of industries, including oil production, ranching, and agriculture. The county seat is located in Sayre, Oklahoma and most of the population resides within a few miles of the town. Until recently, Beckham County was one of the top agricultural producing counties in Oklahoma with cotton being the primary crop grown there. In recent years, oil production has become more prevalent and now contributes significantly to the county’s economy.
The area that makes up Beckham County has been inhabited since prehistoric times by Native American tribes such as Comanches and Kiowas. European settlers began arriving in the area as early as 1836 when cattle ranchers from Texas moved into what is now Beckham County. By 1885, there were several small towns established throughout the county and by 1900 it had become a major agricultural center with cotton being grown on more than 500 farms throughout its boundaries. In 1907 it was officially designated as Beckham County with Sayre being chosen as its county seat due to its central location within the county’s boundaries.
Economy of Beckham County, Oklahoma
Beckham County, Oklahoma is located in the western part of the state and has a diverse economy. The county is home to a variety of industries, including oil production, ranching, and agriculture. Oil production has been a major contributor to the local economy since the discovery of oil in the area in 1917. Today, there are numerous oil wells located throughout Beckham County with many more being drilled each year.
Ranching has been an important part of Beckham County’s economy since its inception. Beef cattle are raised on several ranches throughout the county and contribute significantly to its economic output. Agriculture is also an important part of the local economy with cotton being the primary crop grown in Beckham County for many years. The county also produces other crops such as wheat, corn, soybeans, sorghum and hay.
The service sector is another important component of Beckham County’s economy with several businesses providing services such as health care, education, finance and retail to local residents. Tourism is also becoming increasingly important to the local economy with numerous attractions such as museums and historical sites drawing visitors from all over Oklahoma and beyond.
Overall, Beckham County’s economy is diverse and growing steadily thanks to its various industries including oil production, ranching, agriculture and tourism. With continued investment in these areas it will likely remain an important economic center for western Oklahoma for many years to come.