Oklahoma Place Names

Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press. Fine. 1987. 2nd Revised and Enlarged Edition. Trade Paperback. 268 pages. In this new and enlarged edition of his popular book, the author has added not only a number of new entries but also new information to existing entries. Nearly 3,600 counties, cities, mountains, and lakes are listed alphabetically, with such information as origin of name, date of founding and abandonment of towns, existence of a post office, changes of name, and other pertinent details. The story of its place names shows the entire panorama of Oklahoma history. The state has occupied a peculiar position as the converging point of many and varied civilizations, and its names are a reflection of the romance of its racial and pioneering past. The music of Spanish and the guttural of Indian tongues are to be found in close juxtaposition in the names of geographical features. French, English, and even Bohemian names produce a medley of nomenclature probably unequaled anywhere else in the University States. The author has drawn his materials from information supplied by historical archives, government records, and the recollections of private individuals, in addition to making use of Charles Gould's pioneering work on the subject, published by the University of Oklahoma Press in 1933 and long out of print. George H. Shirk, prominent attorney and former mayor of Oklahoma City, was president of the Oklahoma Historical Society. A well-known authority on Oklahoma history, he was the author of many articles published in The Chronicles of Oklahoma, the quarterly journal of the Society. Historian Muriel H. Wright, longtime editor of Chronicles of Oklahoma, has been recognized for her distinguished career by the University of Oklahoma and by other public and civic organizations. .