Lawton, Oklahoma

Lawton, Oklahoma. Lawton is a city located in and the county seat of Comanche County, Oklahoma, United States. The city is situated near the Fort Sill military reservation and is home to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. As of the 2020 census, the population of Lawton was approximately 90,000.

History

Lawton was founded in 1901 as a result of the Land Run of 1901, which opened up the Comanche County, Oklahoma, area to settlement. The city was named after General Henry Ware Lawton, a Civil War veteran and Indian Wars commander. The area was originally inhabited by the Comanche Nation, which was forcibly relocated to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) in the 19th century. The city's early growth was fueled by the establishment of Fort Sill in 1869, which played a significant role in the American Indian Wars.

Geography

Lawton is located in southwestern Oklahoma, approximately 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Oklahoma City. The city has a total area of 78.6 square miles (203.6 km²) and is situated in the Wichita Mountains region. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, which covers over 59,000 acres, is located just west of the city and provides opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Lawton was 90,194. The racial makeup of the city was 54.1% White, 21.8% African American, 14.1% Native American, and 3.1% Asian. The median household income was $43,859, and the median family income was $53,361.

Economy

The economy of Lawton is diverse, with major industries including healthcare, education, and government. The Fort Sill military reservation is a significant employer in the area, with over 10,000 personnel stationed there. The city is also home to Lawton Regional Medical Center, a major healthcare provider in the region. Additionally, Cameron University, a public university, is located in Lawton and provides educational opportunities to students.

Culture and recreation

Lawton has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues. The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center showcases the history and culture of the Comanche Nation. The city is also home to the Lawton Philharmonic, which performs regularly at the Lawton Community Theatre. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in Lawton, with numerous parks, trails, and lakes in the area. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Government

Lawton is governed by a mayor-council system, with a mayor and eight council members elected by the citizens of the city. The city has a police department and a fire department, which provide public safety services to residents. The city is also served by the Lawton Municipal Airport, which provides air transportation services to the area. Comanche County government is also headquartered in Lawton.