Lawton history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Lawton began on 6 August 1901. Its emergence is linked to a massive historical event — the opening of reservation lands for free settlement. The uniqueness of the city's founding lies in the fact that rights to land plots were distributed via a lottery, which attracted thousands of people to the region. The city received its name in honour of Major General Henry Ware Lawton, a renowned military figure of that time.

Key Factors of Development

The rapid transformation of Lawton into an important regional centre was facilitated by the following factors:

• Proximity to Fort Sill: A military post existing here since 1869 played a decisive role in the security and economic development of the city, becoming a reliable market for goods and services.
• Administrative Status: Lawton was initially designated as the administrative centre of Comanche County, which ensured its political weight and an influx of government institutions.
• Transport and Geography: Its favourable location near the Wichita Mountains and the rapid establishment of railway connections allowed the city to become a trading hub for farmers.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first months of its existence, Lawton was a "tent city," which, however, rapidly acquired permanent structures, schools, and banks. The early economy was based on agriculture (cotton and wheat cultivation) and trade. The cultural landscape was formed under the influence of close interaction between settlers, the military garrison, and the indigenous peoples living in this territory.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1869: General Philip Sheridan founds the military post of Fort Sill, which became the prerequisite for the future settlement of the region.
• 1901: On 6 August, the city of Lawton is officially founded following a massive lottery for the distribution of land plots.
• 1902: The first train of the Rock Island railway company arrives in the city, connecting Lawton to the national trade network.
• 1908: The Cameron State School of Agriculture opens its doors, which later transforms into Cameron University.
• 1917: The entry of the USA into the First World War leads to the creation of Camp Doniphan and a sharp increase in military activity in the region.
• 1929: Construction is completed on the monumental Comanche County Courthouse, designed in the Art Deco architectural style.
• 1961: The grand opening of the Museum of the Great Plains, dedicated to the history of the American West, takes place.
• 1979: In April, a powerful tornado strikes the city, causing serious damage to residential areas and infrastructure.
• 1979: The large Central Mall shopping complex opens, becoming the centre of the city's commercial life for many years.
• 2005: The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission decides to relocate the Air Defense Artillery School to Fort Sill, stimulating the city's economic growth.
• 2011: A large-scale project to revitalize the city centre (Downtown Lawton) is launched to improve the urban environment and attract tourists.

Evolution and Urban Development

Lawton's development is a journey from a tent camp to a major industrial and educational centre of Oklahoma. Key stages in the city's transformation defined its modern appearance and economic structure.

• Establishment of an Educational Cluster (1908):

  The opening of the Cameron School of Agriculture, which later grew into a full-fledged university, was a turning point. This event shifted the focus of development from simple farming to the training of qualified personnel, creating a cultural and intellectual core for the city.

• Solving the Water Issue and Tourism:

  The construction of the dam and the creation of Lake Lawtonka provided the city with a stable water source necessary for population growth. Concurrently, this stimulated the development of the Medicine Park resort area, turning Lawton's surroundings into a tourist attraction.

• Military-Civilian Integration:

  During the World Wars and the Cold War, the expansion of Fort Sill's functions led to a construction boom. The city adapted to the needs of military families, which formed a specific service infrastructure and extensive residential suburbs.

• Urban Renewal of the 1970s:

  The "Urban Renewal" project radically changed the city centre. The demolition of old historical quarters for the construction of the Central Mall became a controversial but economically significant step, reorienting trade flows into a single covered hub.

• Industrial Breakthrough (1978):

  The opening of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company plant became a crucial milestone in economic diversification. The appearance of a large private employer reduced the city's dependence on the government and military sectors.

• Modern Centre Revitalization:

  In recent decades, a plan to return life to the streets of downtown (the Second Street project) is being implemented. This urban planning solution is aimed at creating pedestrian zones, cultural spaces, and supporting small businesses to make the city more comfortable for residents and guests.

Urban Development and Layout

The urban planning history of Lawton is unique in that the city emerged almost instantaneously. The initial layout represented a strict regular grid plan, typical of American cities created in new territories. Unlike settlements that grow over centuries, Lawton transformed from a tent camp into a city with permanent buildings in just a few years. The main vector of development in the mid-20th century shifted from a dense historical centre to more dispersed suburbanisation, oriented towards the use of private cars.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Lawton's architectural appearance is eclectic and reflects its rapid growth and subsequent waves of modernisation. Several key stylistic directions can be highlighted:

• Colonial Revival and Neoclassicism (Early 20th Century):

  During the period of early prosperity, wealthy citizens built mansions imitating classic European and Eastern American examples. Characteristic features include symmetry, columns, and porticoes, designed to emphasise the owner's status.

• Art Deco and PWA Moderne (1930s):

  The Great Depression era left a mark in the form of public buildings constructed under government programmes. This style is characterised by strict geometric forms, restrained decor, and monumentality, symbolising the reliability of state institutions.

• Utilitarian Modernism and Brutalism (1960–1970s):

  The period of active urbanisation brought functional architecture made of concrete and glass to the city. At this time, priority was given to practicality and scale, often to the detriment of historical buildings.

Iconic Buildings and Landmarks

The city's appearance is formed by several key structures, each being a monument to its era:

• The Mattie Beal Home: A brilliant example of early 20th-century architecture. This 14-room mansion combines elements of Greek Revival and Colonial style. The building, with its majestic façade and verandas, serves as a reminder of the city's early elite.
• Central Mall: A symbol of the urban planning revolution of the 1970s. Under the "Urban Renewal" programme, a significant part of the historical downtown was demolished to build this giant covered complex, which radically changed the structure of the city centre.
• Comanche County Courthouse: Built in the Art Deco style, this building stands out for its geometric rigour and is the architectural dominant of the administrative centre.
• Fort Sill Historic Architecture: Although technically a military base adjoining the city, its buildings made of local limestone in the Frontier style (Frontier Army architecture) of the 19th century are an integral part of the region's visual code.

Distinguished Figures of Lawton

The history and culture of Lawton are inextricably linked with the names of people who left a noticeable mark on the arts, sports, and history of the USA. Among them are legendary chiefs of indigenous peoples, Hollywood stars, and world-famous musicians.

• Geronimo
  Apache leader and historical figure
  Although the legendary leader of the Chiricahua Apache was not born in Lawton, his name is forever inscribed in the city's history. He spent the last years of his life at Fort Sill as a prisoner of war, became a local celebrity, and was buried in the fort's cemetery. His grave is one of the most visited historical attractions in the region.
• Quanah Parker
  The last Chief of the Comanche
  An outstanding leader who played a key role in the adaptation of the Comanche people to life on the reservation and peaceful coexistence with settlers. His legacy is honoured in the region, and his remains rest in the Fort Sill cemetery next to his mother, Cynthia Ann Parker.
• Joan Crawford
  Actress of the "Golden Age" of Hollywood
  The future Academy Award winner and one of the greatest film stars of the 20th century spent part of her childhood in Lawton. It was here, where her stepfather managed the Ramsey Opera House, that her love for the stage and dance was born.
• Leon Russell
  Musician, composer, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
  A Lawton native who became a legend of American music. He worked with stars such as Frank Sinatra, Elton John, and The Rolling Stones, and made an invaluable contribution to the development of country-rock and blues-rock genres.
• N. Scott Momaday
  Writer and poet
  Born in Lawton, this author became the first Native American to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (for the novel "House Made of Dawn"). His work is deeply connected to the culture of the Kiowa tribe and the landscapes of Oklahoma.
• Stacey King
  Professional basketball player
  A native of the city who reached the pinnacle of sports. King became a three-time NBA champion with the legendary Chicago Bulls team of the early 1990s, playing alongside Michael Jordan.
• Bryan White
  Country singer
  A popular singer and songwriter born in Lawton. In the 1990s, his hits repeatedly topped the US country charts, bringing him acclaim from music critics and the CMA Horizon Award.