The tale of rural Oklahoma's small towns paints a vivid picture of human ambition, resilience, and the harsh realities of economic cycles. Following the massive land rush of 1893, three towns—Marshall, Covington, and Garber—emerged from the dust, boomed briefly, and now stand as shadows of their former selves. This article reflects on their histories, current states, and the poignant lessons they offer.
The Cherokee Land Strip and Its Historical Backdrop
In the early 1800s, the Cherokee Indian tribe was forcibly relocated to what was then Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. Following their alliance with the Confederates during the Civil War and consequent defeat, the U.S. government seized the land. Fast forward to 1893, the Cherokee Land Strip was opened for settlement, resulting in a chaotic land rush where 100,000 hopeful settlers competed for a mere 42,000 parcels. This led to the establishment of several towns, including Marshall, Covington, and Garber.
Marshall is where the exploration begins, characterized by wide streets built to accommodate horse teams making U-turns. Once a vibrant community, Marshall peaked in 1930 with a population of 695. Currently, that number has plummeted to around 200. As the town struggles with decay, remnants of its past—a saloon, café, hotel, and even law offices—linger.
Despite its decline, Marshall reports a surprisingly decent median household income of around $58,183, but the overall poverty rate hovers at 21.1%, significantly higher among school-age children. Most buildings stand abandoned, with only a handful of homes salvageable. It's a stark reminder of the economic challenges facing many rural towns.
Next is Covington, which once thrived as an oil boomtown but now shares Marshall's fate of decline. With an estimated population of 360, Covington is steadily losing residents. However, it boasts a higher median household income of $74,500, with a relatively low poverty rate of 21% for school-aged children.
Here, remnants of Covington’s glory days are visible through its post office, defunct market, and a few murals that still reflect the town’s spirit. The community grapples with a low crime rate, but the number of vacant storefronts hints at economic stagnation.
Garber presents a different scene. Once housing 1,446 residents in 1920, its population has dwindled to around 660 today. Despite this decline, Garber has managed a median household income of $63,800 and a low poverty rate of 8.9%, reflecting a modest economic resilience.
The town features bright murals and well-maintained public spaces. Garber’s community boasts its schools, still standing amidst a backdrop of abandoned properties. With low crime rates—just one reported crime last year—Garber serves as a glimmer of hope amid the decay, showcasing the community's efforts to maintain its identity.
The narratives of Marshall, Covington, and Garber intertwine, revealing a common plight among rural towns that once thrived. Once bustling with activity, these towns illustrate not only the impact of economic shifts but also the resilience of the communities that remain. While their populations have dwindled and many buildings stand vacant, there is an underlying tenacity that persists.
As the exploration continues, there remains a promise to reveal more about small-town America, while contemplating international destinations. The fading charm of these towns serves as a poignant reminder to cherish community, history, and the stories etched in their silent streets. Their narratives beckon a mix of nostalgia and hope, as they embody the spirit of rural America amid the forces of change. The journey through these towns is not just about witnessing decay; it's about remembering, learning, and looking forward.
Part 1/7:
Exploring the Ghost Towns of Rural Oklahoma
The tale of rural Oklahoma's small towns paints a vivid picture of human ambition, resilience, and the harsh realities of economic cycles. Following the massive land rush of 1893, three towns—Marshall, Covington, and Garber—emerged from the dust, boomed briefly, and now stand as shadows of their former selves. This article reflects on their histories, current states, and the poignant lessons they offer.
The Cherokee Land Strip and Its Historical Backdrop
Part 2/7:
In the early 1800s, the Cherokee Indian tribe was forcibly relocated to what was then Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. Following their alliance with the Confederates during the Civil War and consequent defeat, the U.S. government seized the land. Fast forward to 1893, the Cherokee Land Strip was opened for settlement, resulting in a chaotic land rush where 100,000 hopeful settlers competed for a mere 42,000 parcels. This led to the establishment of several towns, including Marshall, Covington, and Garber.
First Stop: The Ghost Town of Marshall
Part 3/7:
Marshall is where the exploration begins, characterized by wide streets built to accommodate horse teams making U-turns. Once a vibrant community, Marshall peaked in 1930 with a population of 695. Currently, that number has plummeted to around 200. As the town struggles with decay, remnants of its past—a saloon, café, hotel, and even law offices—linger.
Despite its decline, Marshall reports a surprisingly decent median household income of around $58,183, but the overall poverty rate hovers at 21.1%, significantly higher among school-age children. Most buildings stand abandoned, with only a handful of homes salvageable. It's a stark reminder of the economic challenges facing many rural towns.
Second Stop: Covington's Silent Streets
Part 4/7:
Next is Covington, which once thrived as an oil boomtown but now shares Marshall's fate of decline. With an estimated population of 360, Covington is steadily losing residents. However, it boasts a higher median household income of $74,500, with a relatively low poverty rate of 21% for school-aged children.
Here, remnants of Covington’s glory days are visible through its post office, defunct market, and a few murals that still reflect the town’s spirit. The community grapples with a low crime rate, but the number of vacant storefronts hints at economic stagnation.
Third Stop: Garber's Struggles and Slight Hopes
Part 5/7:
Garber presents a different scene. Once housing 1,446 residents in 1920, its population has dwindled to around 660 today. Despite this decline, Garber has managed a median household income of $63,800 and a low poverty rate of 8.9%, reflecting a modest economic resilience.
The town features bright murals and well-maintained public spaces. Garber’s community boasts its schools, still standing amidst a backdrop of abandoned properties. With low crime rates—just one reported crime last year—Garber serves as a glimmer of hope amid the decay, showcasing the community's efforts to maintain its identity.
A Collective Reflection on Rural Decline
Part 6/7:
The narratives of Marshall, Covington, and Garber intertwine, revealing a common plight among rural towns that once thrived. Once bustling with activity, these towns illustrate not only the impact of economic shifts but also the resilience of the communities that remain. While their populations have dwindled and many buildings stand vacant, there is an underlying tenacity that persists.
Moving Forward: A Blend of Exploration
Part 7/7:
As the exploration continues, there remains a promise to reveal more about small-town America, while contemplating international destinations. The fading charm of these towns serves as a poignant reminder to cherish community, history, and the stories etched in their silent streets. Their narratives beckon a mix of nostalgia and hope, as they embody the spirit of rural America amid the forces of change. The journey through these towns is not just about witnessing decay; it's about remembering, learning, and looking forward.