Durant, Oklahoma

Durant is a city in Bryan County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 13,549 at the 2000 census, but as of 2006, the city's population was 15,050. Durant is the principal city of the Durant Micropolitan Area, which had a population of 36,534 at the 2000 census. Durant is the county seat of Bryan County^[3].

Durant was ranked as the fastest growing rural city in Oklahoma in 2004, having the fastest growth rate outside of the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas. Today, the city is ranked as one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Less than ten miles away, Lake Texoma has between 8-10 million tourists every year and is the 12th largest lake in the United States, and also one of the largest reservoirs in the country, contributing to Durant's economic and population growth.

Durant is home to Southeastern Oklahoma State University and also the Headquarters of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, though the historic capital building is in Tuskahoma. Durant ranks as the second largest city within the Choctaw Nation, following McAlester, while Poteau is the third largest city. The city has officially been recognized as the Magnolia Capital of Oklahoma, and the SOSU campus is known as the "Campus of 1,000 Magnolias".

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 History
4 Education
5 Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
6 Economy
7 Transportation
8 Notable people
9 Trivia
10 References
11 External links

[edit] Geography

Durant is located at 33°59′59″N, 96°23′5″W (33.999834, -96.384825)^[4].

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.1 square miles (49.4 km²), of which, 19.0 square miles (49.3 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²) of it (0.16%) is water.

Durant is located in a region named Texoma, and also Texomaland, because of its short distance from Lake Texoma. Durant can also be classified as being in Southeastern Oklahoma, and/or South Central Oklahoma, and also Lake Country. The city is approximately 14 miles north of the Red River, which is the border between Oklahoma and Texas. Dallas is also about 88 miles south of Durant, but, McKinney is 30 miles closer to Durant which is where the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex actually begins.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^[1] of 2000, there were 13,549 people, 5,488 households, and 3,309 families residing in the city. The population density was 712.1 people per square mile (274.9/km²). There were 6,082 housing units at an average density of 319.7/sq mi (123.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 78.99% White, 1.54% African American, 12.27% Native American, 0.90% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.57% from other races, and 4.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.56% of the population.

Durant City Hall .

Bryan County Courthouse.

Durant's first census was recorded in 1900, and the population was 2,969. The 2000 census reported Durant's population to be 13,549. In 2005, Durant's population grew to 14,795. The city's population in 2006 was 15,050.

There were 5,488 households out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.7% were non-families. 32.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.2% under the age of 18, 18.1% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 17.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,328, and the median income for a family was $32,988. Males had a median income of $26,574 versus $19,676 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,849. About 17.2% of families and 22.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.8% of those under age 18 and 17.6% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] History

In the beginning, a family of French-Choctaw origin followed the immigration of the Choctaw Nation from the Valley of the Great River, the Mississippi. The Cherokee’s journey chronicled as “the Trail of Tears, heartaches and death,” ended in a new country west of the Territory of Arkansas and situated between the Red River of the South and the South Canadian River of the north. The claim extended west to Mexico, which is now the eastern boundary line of the northwest Texas territory commonly known and called the “panhandle.”

Pierre Durant, pronounced DuRant in French, and his four sons made the trudge down the Mississippi on the way to the southeastern part of the Choctaw Nation in 1832. The brothers, grown, with families of their own, established homesteads from the Arkansas line to Durant.

One son, Fisher, married to a full blood Choctaw, found a beautiful location for a home between Durant’s present Eight and Ninth Avenues. His son, Dixon Durant is recognized as the founder of Durant and is honored with his namesake. As an early day minister, businessman and civic leader, Dixon Durant is credited with pastorates in local Presbyterian, Congregationalist and Methodist churches; establishment of the first store selling general merchandise; and possibly influencing the 1872 erection of a Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (Katy Railroad) siding at Durant, thus producing the initial impetus for establishing the community.

A post office for “Durant Station” was authorized in 1879, evidence that a village of some size had developed during the seven years since the coming of the railroad. A.E. Fulsom was post master. Discontinued in 1881, the post office re-established in 1882 with the address as “Durant, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory.” The word “station” was never again used as part of the official name for the community.

[edit] Education

[edit] Higher education

Durant is home to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, which has about 4,000 enrolled students.

[edit] CareerTech

Durant is also home to the Kiamichi Technology Center, which has eight other locations in Southeastern Oklahoma. Kiamichi is part of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

[edit] Durant public schools

http://www.durantisd.org/

Durant has an estimated student population of 3,400.

Durant High School was one of six schools nation-wide to earn the recognition as a "Great American High School" in 2002. Durant High School is located in the center of the town on a hilly terrain, creating beautiful views of the school and from the school. The high school has approximately 900 students, which makes it one of the largest schools in Southeastern Oklahoma. Grades 9-12 attend Durant High School. The school offers numerous elective classes such as art, athletics, drama, agricultural education, Spanish and Choctaw, psychology, health career, computers, choir, and technology, and also advanced placements for the basic classes.

On April 1, 2008, the vote to increase the city's sales tax 5/8 cent for 25 years in order to provide funding for Durant's new high school passed. The new high school will be built on the northside of Durant and will accommodate 1,200 students. It is expected to be completed in 2011 for the 2011-2012 school year. Grades 7 and 8 will then move to the current high school building, because of the aging middle school facility. The sales tax increase will go into effect on July 1, 2008 and will end on ,or before, June 30, 2033.

Durant Middle School is located just outside of the downtown district, being built in 1919, it is the oldest school building in Durant. It originally housed the High School until the 1950s. Grades 7-8 attend the Middle School with about 480 students.

Durant Middle School

Durant Intermediate School is located in the medical district in the northern section of Durant. In fact, the Intermediate School was formerly the Bryan Memorial Hospital before the construction of the Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahomain 1987. Grades 4-6 attend the Intermediate School with about 670 students. The school recently added a north wing which now houses the 4th graders, which was completed just before the 2006-2007 school year.

Three elementary schools are located in Durant; Washington Irving Elementary (515 students), Northwest Heights Elementary (580 students), and Robert E. Lee Elementary (250 students). George Washington Elementary formerly served as an elementary school before closing in 2003 due to funding problems. Grades Pre-K through 3rd attend all of the elementary schools.

Durant also has a private school, Victory Life Academy, which has an enrollment of about 250 students. It serves grades Pre-K through 12.

[edit] School trivia

The mascot for the Durant Public Schools is a lion named Lucky.

The Durant High School Band is recognized as one of the best in the state as evidenced by their many awards and trophies, Band directors are Mr. Chris Gregg and Mr. Tony Tiger

On April 5, 2007, Durant High School celebrated Oklahoma's centennial, and also the high school's 100th graduating class. The theme of this memorable event was "Celebrating a Century of Class".

[edit] Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

The Choctaw Nation Headquarters, facing northwest.

A close up of the North/Main Building of the Choctaw Nation HQ, facing west.

By 1894, Calvin Institute, one of a few schools for Indian youths, was established in Durant. Though this school was to change its name twice more, by 1899 it had already attracted an enrollment of 300. The school eventually became known as Oklahoma Presbyterian College. This was accomplished shortly after Oklahoma was admitted to the Union as a State. The support for the school came from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the federal government, and several denominational missionary boards. Because of financial difficulties, the school was closed as a learning institution in the late 1960s.

Chief Clark David Gardner, in 1975, wished to establish the Choctaw Nation administrative offices at the old Presbyterian College Building.

In 1976, in cooperation with the Durant Chamber of Commerce and the owners of the buildings, the Red River Valley Historical Association, title was transferred into the federal government. Impressive ceremonies were held August 17, 1976, commemorating the title transfer. Reacquisition of this building allowed centralization of government which permits more effective utilization of personnel in administering current programs and developing future programs. The buildings has been renovated, and administration of many Choctaw programs are headquartered there.

Calvin Institute was originally the North Building of the Choctaw Nation Headquarters. The establishment of Oklahoma Presbyterian College lead to the construction of the current South Building of the CNHQ. After Choctaw Nation had acquired the former OPC buildings, Choctaw Nation built a third structure, the Financial Building, to accommodate growth. The Nation and has since then built several other structures behind the main buildings to accommodate even more growth, creating today's complex.

Though the Capitol of the Choctaw Nation is recognized as being Tuskahoma, the administrative offices remain at the old Presbyterian College, formerly the old Calvin Institute. The Choctaws have strong ties with the school, being a part of their culture, history and religion, having served as one of the early educational institutions for their people.

[edit] Economy

Durant is a progressive community with a thriving, diversified local economy, and currently leads the state in economic development. One of the city's strongest industries is tourism; attractions include Lake Texoma, Lake Durant, the Choctaw Casino Resort, Choctaw Casino Bingo, Fort Washita, the Three Valley Museum, the annual Magnolia Festival held in downtown, and the World's Largest Peanut. Manufacturing and distribution are growing industries that are occurring in Durant with several factories of such industries being constructed and planned.

The Choctaw Casino Resort, looking east.

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has a huge impact on Durant's economy, especially the two casinos that bring in millions of dollars everyday, which is then used for education. The Choctaw Casino Resort and the Choctaw Casino Bingo, located between Durant and Calera along U.S. 69/75, is a thriving area with economic success.

Another important part of Durant's economy is the city's Historic Central Business District and the Retail District. In the past few years, Downtown Durant has seen growth, renewal projects such as streetscaping, and new businesses arriving. Durant is part of the Main Street Program. The Retail District has seen tremendous growth and continues to see growth. The district is west of Downtown, at the intersection of U.S. 69/75 and U.S. 70, and is Durant's fastest growing area.

The city has numerous shopping centers scattered throughout and many major retailers including:

and many others.

Major restaurant chains in the city include:

and others.

[edit] Transportation

[edit] Roads and highways

City map of Durant.

Durant is served by three major U.S. Highways: U.S. 69, U.S. 70, and U.S. 75.

In a study released by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation in 2005, an average of about 16,000 vehicles pass Durant's Main Street on U.S. 69/75 everyday.

Busy streets also criss-cross Durant, the busiest being Main Street, which is also U.S. 70. First Avenue is also a major street that carries traffic northward away from downtown, or southward toward downtown. The intersection of Main Street and First Avenue creates a "T" shape in downtown. Other busy streets include Ninth Avenue, University Boulevard, Washington Avenue, Radio Road, and University Place, all of which have seen increased traffic in recent years.

There are three exits in Durant from U.S. 69/75 which are at First Avenue, Washington Avenue, and Main Street; construction of exit/entrance ramps is under way at University Boulevard, as of March 2008, the exit off of northbound 69/75 is the only one complete. There are also traffic lights at the intersection of U.S. 69/75 and Choctaw Road south of Durant, where the Choctaw Casino Bingo and Resort is located.

[edit] Air

Eaker Field, the town's airport and home to Southeastern Oklahoma State University's Aviation Sciences Institute, was a U.S. Navy auxiliary airfield during World War II. It is named after U.S. Army Air Force General Ira C. Eaker, early commander of the legendary Eighth Air Force in wartime England, who graduated from the university (then known as Southeastern State Teacher's College) in 1917.

The closest international airports to Durant is Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, and Tulsa International Airport.

[edit] Rail

Durant is also a major railroad center. Union Pacific Railroad and Kiamichi Railroad intersect in Downtown, with Union Pacific being the busier railway.

[edit] Notable people

Joe Dobson - 1948 American League All-Star.

Tracy Letts - a Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright and actor.

Michael (Cowboy) Ellis - Contestant and first runner-up of Big Brother 5 of the hit TV series Big Brother.

Gail Farrell - Singer and songwriter from The Lawrence Welk Show

Kirby Minter - Well-known retired basketball player, played for team USA in the 1954 FIBA World Championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Bill Sudderth- Famed Artist, Playwright, Author and Philanthropist.

[edit] Trivia

Durant's daytime population increases to approximately 18,000 people, which is growing steadily.

Durant has a pull factor of 2.1 times its population.

A memorable event in Durant’s rail history occurred on April 5, 1905. A special southbound Katy train stopped in the city with none other than President Theodore Roosevelt aboard.

Durant's Wal-Mart Supercenter opened in 2003, which was unusual considering the city's size of the time (13,000 people), in which most cities of that size already do have a Supercenter. The reason for this may have been Durant's proximity and easy commute to Denison, which also has a Supercenter and did serve customers from Oklahoma until this one opened in Durant. The square footage of the Supercenter in Durant is approximately 185,000 square feet.

W.H. Hilton was elected as the first mayor of Durant.

Bryan County was created from Choctaw lands in 1907, the same time as statehood, and was named after William Jennings Bryan. He was nominated three times for President of the United States and at the age of 36 lost to William McKinley. He also lost to Woodrow Wilson, and William H. Taft. Woodrow Wilson appointed Bryan as Secretary of State.

Durant's area code is 580, and the ZIP Code is 74701-02.

The Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma is ranked as one of the best 100 hospitals in the United States[1].

Durant has a newspaper, the Durant Daily Democrat, which is published everyday of the week except for Saturday.

The largest employer in Durant is the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, including the Choctaw Nation Headquarters and the Choctaw Casino Resort, which has two Choctaw Travel Plazas, two Choctaw casinos, the Choctaw Inn, and many more facilities that are located in the resort with more plans of construction. Over 5,400 people work for the Choctaw Nation in Durant.

The city of Durant was named an All-American City finalist for 2006.

[edit] References

^ ^a ^b American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
^ US Board on Geographic Names. United States Geological Survey (2007-10-25). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
^ Find a County. National Association of Counties. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
^ US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990. United States Census Bureau (2005-05-03). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.

[edit] External links

Durant, Oklahoma is at coordinates 33°59′59″N 96°23′05″W / 33.999834, -96.384825 (Durant, Oklahoma)Coordinates: 33°59′59″N 96°23′05″W / 33.999834, -96.384825 (Durant, Oklahoma)

v • d • e Municipalities and communities of Bryan County, Oklahoma

County seat: Durant

City	Durant

Towns	Achille \| Armstrong \| Bennington \| Bokchito \| Caddo \| Calera \| Colbert \| Hendrix \| Kemp \| Kenefic \| Mead \| Silo

Unincorporated community	Cartwright