Weatherford: A Quaint Little Town
Weatherford has grown over the years to become an essential stop on the Route 66 travel across the United States . Weatherford has great schools, many historical sites, and other unique features. We believe that our town is a must see stop on a cross country tour.
Weatherford is located off of Interstate 40 just an hour west of Oklahoma City . Established in 1898, Weatherford has grown significantly over the years. It was once part of a reservation for the Southern Cheyenne and Southern Arapaho. Then in April of 1892 it was open to non- Native American settlers. The town was officially established on August 3, 1898, when a bank opened and lots were sold. The town was named for either Lorinda Powell Weatherford, the first postmistress or for her husband William J. ìBillî Weatherford.
Weatherford is home to many interesting things that have helped to build Weatherford not only has a town, but a great place to live. There is an old Cedar school house which is a one room school house that was built in 1902. The Blair Cabin is also in Weatherford which is a old country cabin built in the 1900ís. The Weatherford community has many things to offer travelers, downtown they can find many unique restaurants and specialty shops to suit anyoneís shopping and food needs. Weatherford is also the home of the largest wind energy farms in Oklahoma . The Florida Power and Light Energy set up a wind farm and when the turbines are operating at peak capacity they will produce enough electricity to power more than 44,000 homes. Weatherford has an archeological site named Little Deer as well. But a large part of Weatherfordís growth over the years is contributed to Southwestern Oklahoma State University . SWOSU, as it is commonly called, has been a part of Weatherford since the beginning. It was first called Southwestern Territorial Normal School and was opened in 1904 with 123 students. It was originally built as a two year school and offered as an alternative to high school graduates. They offered preparatory work for students who were not qualified for college admission. Now Southwestern is a four year accredited university with an extensive and highly proclaimed School of Pharmacy . Many people from all over the world come to Southwestern for the School of Pharmacy program. Several famous people have attended Southwestern Oklahoma State . Country singer Jeremy Castle attended Southwestern and was a member of the Southwestern Bulldog football team. The legendary astronaut General Thomas P. Stafford has an honorary degree from SWOSU and even has a building named after him. General Tom Stafford was born and raised in Weatherford and his house has been proclaimed as a historical site. There is also an airport and air and space museum honoring General Stafford and his Apollo Space missions.
Weatherford has expanded immensely since the beginning of the town, many things have changed and but several things have remained the same. The Weatherford community is friendly and inviting; travelers are always welcome and appreciated. The town offers its great schools, historical spots, and all the other unique features to anyone passing through. Donít hesitate to visit this quaint little town just an hour west of Oklahoma City .
Shanleigh Kelly
Weatherford Chamber of Commerce Intern
