Altus history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Altus began with dramatic events in the late 19th century. Initially, the settlement, founded around 1886, was named Frazer and was located in the lowlands near Bitter Creek. However, nature intervened: a devastating flood in 1891 forced residents to seek a safer location. The city was moved to higher ground and renamed Altus, which translates from Latin as "high".

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into an important regional centre of the state of Oklahoma, USA, was driven by several factors:

• Geography and Safety: The decision to move the city to higher ground was a strategically correct step, protecting infrastructure from floods.
• Railway Development: The arrival of railway tracks in the early 20th century connected local producers with major sales markets.
• Water Resources: The construction of irrigation systems allowed for the effective use of arid lands for agriculture.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic foundation of the city was built on agriculture. Altus quickly became a significant centre for growing and processing cotton, as well as wheat. The life of early settlers revolved around agrarian cycles and trade, forming a close-knit community of hardworking people who managed to rebuild their home after a natural disaster.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1886: Foundation of the settlement of Frazer near Bitter Creek, which became the direct predecessor of the modern city.
• 1891: A devastating flood forced residents to move the settlement to higher ground, where Altus was founded.
• 1901: Completion of the railway line connecting the local community with major trade routes.
• 1904: The city was officially returned the name Altus after a short period when the railway station was called Leger.
• 1907: Oklahoma officially became part of the USA as the 46th state, changing the political status of the region.
• 1908: By vote, the city was chosen as the administrative centre of the newly formed Jackson County.
• 1926: Opening of the first municipal college, known today as Western Oklahoma State College.
• 1943: During World War II, an army airfield began operations, becoming an important pilot training centre.
• 1947: Grand opening of the W.C. Austin irrigation project, providing water to arid agricultural lands.
• 1953: The military airfield was reactivated and received the status of a permanent Air Force base, becoming a key economic asset.
• 1962: Atlas F missile silos were put into operation in the vicinity of the city.
• 1990s: The Air Force base was repurposed for training crews for heavy transport aviation and aerial refuelling aircraft.

The development of the city of Altus is a story of adaptation to harsh natural conditions and the ability to utilize strategic opportunities. From a small trading post to an important economic centre of southwestern Oklahoma, the city has passed through several key stages of transformation.

• Strategic Relocation of the City. The decision to move the settlement to higher ground after the flood of 1891 was the first and most important urban planning step. This not only gave the city its current name (from the Latin "high") but also ensured the safety of infrastructure, allowing for the planning of long-term construction of stone buildings and roads.
• Railway Revolution. Connection to the railway network in the early 20th century turned a local agricultural market into a major transport hub. This event opened access to national markets of the USA for local farmers, stimulating a sharp increase in cotton and grain production, which became the basis of the region's prosperity.
• Gaining Administrative Status. Becoming the administrative centre of Jackson County in 1908 secured the city's role as the political and legal core of the region. This led to the construction of a monumental courthouse, which remains the architectural dominant of the central square and a symbol of stability.
• Victory Over Drought. The implementation of the massive W.C. Austin irrigation project in the 1940s radically changed the economy of the area. The creation of a system of canals and the Lugert-Altus reservoir made it possible to turn arid steppes into fertile lands, guaranteeing stable harvests regardless of weather whims.
• The Aviation Era. The opening and subsequent expansion of Altus Air Force Base became the main driver of urbanization in the second half of the 20th century. The military facility attracted thousands of new residents, stimulated the development of the service sector and housing construction, and brought modern technologies and cultural diversity to the city.
• Development of Education. The founding of Western Oklahoma State College ensured the city's status as an educational hub. The appearance of a higher education institution allowed the region to retain young people and train qualified personnel for the local economy.

Urban Development and General Appearance

The architectural appearance of the city of Altus is a visual chronicle of the development of the American heartland. Unlike the old cities of the East Coast, you will not find chaotic medieval streets here. The city has a clear orthogonal layout (grid street structure), characteristic of settlements that developed around railway tracks in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The buildings are predominantly low-rise, creating a sense of spaciousness and open sky inherent to the state of Oklahoma.

Founding Era: American Commercial Style

The historical core of the city was formed in the early 20th century, when the region's economy was booming thanks to cotton farming. The central square and adjacent streets are lined with buildings in the so-called Commercial Style (Early 20th Century Commercial). These structures are characterized by:

• The use of red brick and local stone.
• Flat roofs and strict geometric forms.
• Large display windows on the ground floors, designed for trade.

A walk through the city centre allows one to feel the atmosphere of a classic "Main Street" in the USA, where every facade speaks of the business acumen of the first settlers.

Civic Monumentality: Neoclassicism

The symbol of administrative power and stability in the city is the Jackson County Courthouse. Built in 1910–1911, it represents a striking example of Neoclassicism (Classical Revival). This majestic structure dominates the city centre and is distinguished by characteristic elements:

• A massive dome crowning the building.
• Strict columns and a symmetrical facade.
• The use of light limestone, contrasting with the surrounding brick buildings.

The courthouse is considered one of the most beautiful historical objects in the region and serves as the city's main architectural landmark.

Post-War Era: Modernism and Functionalism

The second half of the 20th century, associated with the development of the Air Force base, brought new trends to the city. During this period, residential areas for military personnel and their families were actively built. Here, the Ranch-style prevails — single-story houses with low roofs and wide facades, oriented towards comfortable living and automobile use.

Educational institutions, such as Western Oklahoma State College, demonstrate features of mid-century Modernism: functionality, lack of excessive decoration, and an emphasis on horizontal lines that harmonize with the flat landscape.

Famous Natives and Residents

Many talented people who have left a significant mark on art, sports, science, and public life are associated with the city of Altus. Here are some of the most distinguished personalities:

• Rex Linn — Film and Television Actor.
  Although Linn was born in Texas, his childhood and youth were spent in Altus. Before becoming a successful Hollywood actor, he worked at a local bank. He gained wide fame for his role as Sergeant Frank Tripp in the popular series "CSI: Miami", as well as roles in the films "Cliffhanger" and "Django Unchained".
• Jason Gildon — Professional Athlete.
  An outstanding American football player who played as a linebacker. Gildon built a brilliant career in the NFL, becoming a legend of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is one of the team's record holders for sacks and a three-time Pro Bowl participant.
• Kelly Garrison — Artistic Gymnast.
  A native of the city who became the pride of the nation. Kelly represented the USA national team at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. She is also a legend of university sports, having won numerous NCAA titles while competing for the University of Oklahoma.
• Thomas C. Oden — Theologian and Writer.
  One of the most influential Christian theologians of the 20th and 21st centuries. Oden was a prolific author and the founder of the Paleo-orthodoxy movement, calling on the modern church to return to the classical roots of the Christian faith.
• Moon Martin — Rock Musician and Composer.
  A talented singer and songwriter whose work became part of the golden fund of pop-rock in the 1970s and 80s. World fame came to him with the hit "Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)", which became the signature song of British singer Robert Palmer.
• Suzi Gardner — Musician and Guitarist.
  A prominent representative of the grunge scene and co-founder of the famous all-female rock band L7. Gardner had a significant influence on the development of punk rock and the feminist movement in music in the 1990s.
• W.C. Austin — Lawyer and Public Figure.
  A historical figure who played a key role in the economic development of the region in the mid-20th century. Thanks to his efforts, a large-scale irrigation project was implemented, providing water to the arid lands of southwestern Oklahoma. The local reservoir is named in his honour.