Heritage

Holdenville is the county seat for Hughes County and is located in central Oklahoma’s Frontier Country. Our diverse population of
Native Americans, African Americans, Whites and other races have made us a colorful and wonderful mixture of history.
Holdenville was founded in the 1890’s. When congress passed laws authorizing certain lands west of the Mississippi river to be given to Indians living in the Southeastern United States and mandating their removal to these lands. In the 1830’s these forced migrations were started. These were referred to as the “Trail of Tears”. Over the next several years vast numbers of people traveled to and through Hughes County.

The Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf railroad was built in Indian Territory and crossed the southeast corner of the Creek Nation, where
Holdenville would be located. A railroad camp was moved into the area.

In the fall of 1898, several men petitioned for municipal corporation. On November 14, 1898 Holdenville became an
Incorporated Town. A request was made to name the town Holden, to honor J.F. Holden, Auditor and Traffic Manager for the Railroad. Because the name was so similar to another post office, it was changed and accepted as Holdenville.

 

Agriculture & Industry

• There are two main rivers in Hughes County: The North and South Canadian.
• 37 watershed lakes protect the towns from flooding.
• Holdenville Farmers and Ranchers produce a variety of crops and
• agriculture products such as: wheat, corn, soybeans, peanuts, pecans,
• pumpkins, watermelon, many acres of vegetables are grown here also: onions, tomatoes, sweet corn, squash, okra, green beans, lettuce, potatoes, peppers, cantaloupes, etc.
• Hughes County ranches hold 60,0000 head of cattle, 165,960 head swine and unknown head of sheep and goats.
• Hog farming is abundant in our area. The Pork Group, a division of
• Tyson is homed here in Holdenville.
• Holdenville has a total of 246 industries, our main source being oil and natural gas. Services take second and manufacturing third.
• We have a certified Industrial Park, consisting of acres with rail service and airport. There is easy access to Highway 270 and State Highway 48 & 75 with only 23 miles from Interstate 40.
  

 

Tourism

North Broadway Street possesses our 1901 First National Bank Building, now housing a business downstairs and an art studio upstairs. The Art Center and Hughes County Historical Society, Hughes County Court House, Antique shops, First Baptist Church, Holdenville High School and Stroup Park are all located on this street. North Hinckley Street, hosts beautiful old homes, dating back to the early 1900’s.

Take a scenic drive on our back roads; discover the wild life, animals, flowers, blooming trees and bird watching. The scenic view holds a beauty, like no other.

Stop into our antique shops, full of character from yester year.Or take pleasure in staying at one of our historical bed & breakfasts.
Enjoy camping, swimming, boating or fishing at Holdenville Lake. RV pads, primitive camping, ATV trails. There’s nothing more relaxing than camping beside the waters edge and waking to the smell of pine.

 

HSPS Art Center & Gallery

Art Center of the Holdenville Society of Painters & Sculptors is one of our centers of activity. The Center was founded in 1981 to benefit the citizens of Holdenville with no exclusion of any person by reason of race, creed, color or national origin. Their goal is to bring quality art experience to this area of Oklahoma.

Two art shows are held each year, in the springtime and fall. Numerous workshops continue to enhance those interested in art. Summer art programs are available for all ages.

H.S.P.S. provides assistance to Schools of Art and to art students who wish to continue the study of art with a scholarship.
The Center is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.