You won’t find Old Kaw City on modern maps – it’s submerged beneath Kaw Lake in northern Oklahoma. Founded in 1902 as a farming community, it transformed into a bustling oil boom town in the 1920s before facing economic hardships during the Great Depression. When Congress authorized the Kaw Dam project in 1962, residents relocated to higher ground, establishing New Kaw City. The original town’s story lies deeper than the waters that cover it.
Key Takeaways
- Original Kaw City lies submerged beneath Kaw Lake after the 1962 Kaw Dam project forced complete town relocation.
- The ghost town’s remains include the original townsite founded in 1902, which prospered during the 1919 oil boom.
- Before submersion, Kaw City peaked at 1,001 residents in 1930 but declined to 457 by 1960.
- Residents relocated to New Kaw City on higher ground, taking historic buildings and preserving artifacts in the Kaw City Museum.
- The town’s transformation from thriving oil community to underwater ghost town occurred during 1966-1976 dam construction period.
The Birth of a Farming Community (1902-1918)
While many frontier towns sprang up haphazardly across Oklahoma Territory, Kaw City’s birth in 1902 was a carefully planned venture by the Kaw City Townsite Company, led by Oklahoma Territory’s fifth governor William M. Jenkins.
Unlike its spontaneous frontier neighbors, Kaw City emerged in 1902 as a methodically planned settlement under Governor Jenkins’s leadership.
You’d have found yourself in a prime location, nestled in the fertile Ox Bow Bend of the Arkansas River, bordered by the Kaw and Osage reservations. The first town lots were offered to eager buyers on Independence Day, marking the official start of the settlement.
The town’s strategic position sparked rapid community growth, with farmers and ranchers flocking to the level terrain. The community quickly established two lumber yards, a bank, newspaper, and mill to support its expansion.
Agricultural innovation flourished as the new train depot facilitated shipping thousands of bushels of corn and hundreds of Texas cattle.
Oil Discovery Transforms the Town (1919-1929)
Two major oil discoveries near Chilocco in 1919 forever changed Kaw City’s destiny, transforming the quiet farming community into a bustling oil boom town.
You’d hardly recognize the sleepy farming village as it rapidly evolved, with oil derricks dotting the landscape and wildcatters flooding the streets in search of black gold.
The economic impact was staggering. Just like neighboring Ponca City, which doubled in size, Kaw City experienced explosive growth.
You’d find new businesses springing up overnight, while property values soared by 25% or more. The Marland Oil Company‘s presence brought unprecedented prosperity, with production camps and pipeline stations reshaping the local economy. Much like the Cushing Field discovery in 1912, the area quickly became a significant contributor to the state’s oil production.
The revolutionary use of reflection seismography by John C. Karcher helped locate even more oil deposits, ensuring Kaw City’s place in Oklahoma’s petroleum boom. The town attracted thousands of workers who lived in makeshift living conditions as they sought their fortunes in the booming oil fields.
Economic Hardships and Population Decline (1930-1965)
The prosperity of Kaw City‘s oil boom came to an abrupt halt as the Great Depression struck in the early 1930s.
You’d witness a town’s economic struggles unfold as falling oil prices and agricultural decline devastated the local economy. Despite their community resilience, residents faced harsh realities:
- Population plummeted from 1,001 in 1930 to just 457 by 1960
- Farm incomes dropped a staggering 64% during the 1930s
- The local high school closed its doors by 1944
- Over 60% of farmers risked losing their land to foreclosure
World War II accelerated the exodus as folks left for military service or urban defense jobs.
Without adequate relief systems, many families had no choice but to seek opportunities elsewhere, leaving behind a once-thriving oil town that would never regain its former glory.
A devastating flood in 1923 had already weakened the town’s infrastructure and economic foundation before these hardships began.
Relocation and the Kaw Dam Project (1966-1976)
After decades of economic decline, Kaw City faced its most dramatic transformation when Congress authorized the construction of Kaw Dam in 1962.
You’d have seen the relocation challenges firsthand as residents grappled with leaving their homes behind. A Tulsa engineering firm helped plan the town’s move two miles west, while locals adopted a “wait and see” approach, hesitant to invest in property improvements.
The community’s resilience shone through as they rebuilt their town piece by piece – moving schools, churches, and utilities to higher ground. The ambitious project included constructing a 9,466-foot-long dam that would forever change the landscape.
By 1975, the old town site disappeared beneath Kaw Lake’s waters. The $111 million project brought new opportunities, including flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreation. The lake became a vital water supply source by May 1977, serving surrounding communities.
Though bittersweet, the move secured Kaw City’s future, drawing 1.6 million visitors by 1979.
Legacy and Preservation in New Kaw City
Since relocating to higher ground in the 1970s, New Kaw City has worked diligently to preserve its rich cultural heritage through multiple initiatives.
You’ll find cultural continuity maintained through the Kaw City Museum, housed in the relocated Santa Fe depot, where they’ve created an impressive archive of the town’s history. The museum’s book “Kaw City – A Pictorial History” features 200 vintage photographs documenting the area’s past.
The community’s dedication to preservation is evident through:
New Kaw City’s unwavering commitment to preserving its cultural legacy shines through dedicated community programs and historical initiatives.
- An extensive photo collection featuring 200+ vintage images dating to the 1800s
- Annual reunion events that strengthen community engagement among residents and descendants
- The Kaw Nation’s active cultural programs linking past and present generations
- Museum fundraising efforts that support ongoing educational initiatives
Like the Delaware School from 1930, the museum serves as an excellent example of preserving local history for future generations.
With a stable population of 320-375 residents, New Kaw City continues to honor its heritage while building its future through these preservation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happened to Laura A. Clubb’s Famous Art Collection After Relocation?
After Clubb’s Collection art relocation, you’ll find her masterpieces permanently housed at Philbrook Museum in Tulsa, where they’ve enriched Oklahoma’s cultural heritage and remained accessible to art lovers since 1947.
Are There Any Underwater Archaeological Surveys Conducted at the Original Townsite?
You’d expect extensive underwater archaeology beneath Kaw Lake’s murky depths, but there’s no documented evidence of formal townsite surveys at Old Kaw City since its 1976 flooding – just shoreline investigations.
How Many Original Buildings Successfully Survived the Physical Move to New Location?
You’ll find that building preservation efforts succeeded with just one structure – the historic Kaw Agency building. Despite relocation challenges, it’s the sole confirmed original building that survived the move northward.
What Was the Relationship Between Kaw Indians and Early Town Settlers?
You’ll find cultural exchange happened through trade and shared spaces, but settlement conflicts dominated as white settlers steadily encroached on Kaw lands, leading to forced displacement and cultural upheaval.
Did Any Notable Outlaws or Historical Figures Frequently Visit Old Kaw City?
Despite hosting over 2,000 residents by 1930, you won’t find evidence of frequent outlaw encounters in Old Kaw City. Historical visits centered more on official figures like William Jenkins, Oklahoma’s territorial governor.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghost_towns_in_Oklahoma
- https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=GH002
- https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=KA008
- https://landingaday.wordpress.com/2016/07/12/kaw-city-webb-city-and-whizbang-oklahoma/
- https://kawcitymuseum.com/2017/05/08/kaw-city-in-the-beginning/
- https://www.redcarpetcountry.com/cities/kaw-city/
- https://kids.kiddle.co/Kaw_City
- https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=206269
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaw_City
- https://www.metrolibrary.org/archives/essay/2019/07/black-gold-oil-gushes-oklahoma-city
