Southwestern Oklahoma

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The Antelope Hills of Southwest Oklahoma in the distance
The Antelope Hills of Southwest Oklahoma in the distance

Southwest Oklahoma is a geographical name for the southwest portion of the state of Oklahoma, typically considered to be south of the Canadian River, extending eastward from the Texas border to a line roughly from Weatherford, to Anadarko, to Duncan. The region has an official designation created for tourism purposes, Great Plains Country.

A canyon in the Wichita Mountains near Lawton.
A canyon in the Wichita Mountains near Lawton.

Anchored by Lawton, its biggest city, Southwest Oklahoma's other important urban centers include Clinton, Elk City, Weatherford, Altus, and Duncan. Largely flat and dry, southwest Oklahoma is typical of the Great Plains region of the United States, although it is typically less dry than nearby West Texas. Monsoon-like rains are common in the spring months, while prolonged drought is common through other parts of the year.

The region has several small mountain ranges, the largest of which being the Wichita Mountains, considered by geologists to be one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world.[1]

Significant geographic landmarks include the Black Kettle National Grassland, The Wichita Mountains, the Antelope Hills, and the Quartz Mountains.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Refuge History (web) (English). U.S. fish and Wildlife Service 1. USFWS (2006). Retrieved on 2007-03-15.