Mangum, OK

Mangum, Oklahoma is a small town located in Greer County in the southwestern part of the state. Its history dates back to the late 19th century when the area was still Indian Territory, prior to statehood.

The region where Mangum is now located was originally home to the Kiowa and Comanche tribes, who roamed the Great Plains before European settlement. However, as settlers moved westward, conflicts arose between the Native Americans and the newcomers. With the enactment of the Indian Appropriations Act in 1889, the U.S. government opened the area for settlement by non-Native Americans.

In 1886, James J. Greer founded the town and named it Mangum after his friend A.S. Mangum, the territorial judge. The town quickly grew due to its location as a convenient supply point for cattle ranchers in the region. Mangum became the county seat of Greer County in 1890 when it was still part of Texas.

One significant event in Mangum's early history was the Greer County border dispute between Texas and Oklahoma. In 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the region legally belonged to Oklahoma instead of Texas, further solidifying Mangum's status as part of Oklahoma.

Throughout the early 20th century, Mangum continued to thrive as an agricultural center, with cotton, wheat, and cattle forming the backbone of the local economy. The town saw an economic boost with the arrival of the Wichita Falls and Northwestern Railway in 1903, providing easy access to larger markets.

Mangum also experienced its share of hardships. During the Dust Bowl era in the 1930s, severe drought and wind erosion affected the agriculture, causing widespread hardship for the community. The town slowly recovered with the help of New Deal programs, which aimed to alleviate poverty and restore the land.

In the later part of the 20th century, Mangum shifted its focus from agriculture to oil and gas exploration. The discovery of oil fields in the area led to increased economic activity and modernization. While Mangum remains a small town, it continues to be an important hub for agriculture and energy in the region.

Today, Mangum preserves its history through various landmarks, including Greer County Courthouse, Mangum City Hall, and the Kiowa County Museum. The town celebrates its past annually with the Old Greer County Museum Day, featuring historical reenactments and exhibits.

Despite its small size, Mangum remains a testament to the resilience and spirit of the pioneers who settled the Oklahoma frontier, adapting to the challenges and changes of the times while still maintaining a strong sense of community.

Harmon Park

A beautiful park with playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, and a pond for fishing.

The Old Greer County Museum and Hall of Fame

A museum showcasing the history and heritage of Greer County, with exhibits on pioneers, agriculture, Native American artifacts, and local sports heroes.

Copper Lake

A scenic lake perfect for boating, fishing, and picnicking. It also has a swimming beach and camping facilities.

Copeland Chapel and Cemetery

A historic chapel built in 1909, known for its unique architecture and tranquil cemetery grounds.

Mangum Rattlesnake Derby

An annual event featuring a variety of snake-related activities, including snake handling demonstrations, snake races, and snake meat cook-offs.

Mangum Golf Course

A well-maintained 9-hole golf course with beautiful fairways, challenging holes, and picturesque views.

Memorial Chapel and Veterans Memorial Plaza

A place for reflection and remembrance, honoring the sacrifices of military personnel from the area.

Quartz Mountain Nature Park

Located just a short drive from Mangum, this stunning nature park offers hiking trails, rock climbing, camping, and breathtaking views of Quartz Mountain.

Greer County Wind Energy Center

A large wind farm featuring rows of spinning turbines, showcasing the region's commitment to renewable energy.

Mangum City Lake

A serene lake surrounded by picturesque landscape, perfect for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying some peaceful time in nature.

Mangum, OK has a humid subtropical climate. Summers in Mangum tend to be hot and humid with average high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s Fahrenheit (32-36 degrees Celsius). The heat is usually accompanied by high humidity, making it feel even hotter.

Winters in Mangum are generally mild, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit (7-13 degrees Celsius). However, temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing, and snowfall is possible but not very frequent.

Spring and autumn seasons in Mangum are relatively short and transitional, with mild temperatures and moderate rainfall. These seasons can bring a mix of warm and cool days, and occasional thunderstorms are common.

Mangum also experiences some severe weather throughout the year, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hailstorms. The region is part of Tornado Alley, and tornadoes are more likely to occur during the late spring and early summer months.

Overall, Mangum, OK has a typical central U.S. climate with hot, humid summers, mild winters, and transitional spring and autumn seasons.

Mangum is a small town located in Greer County, Oklahoma. While it is a relatively small community, it does have a few distinct neighborhoods. Here are some of the different neighborhoods in Mangum:

Downtown Mangum

The heart of the town, downtown Mangum is where you'll find the majority of the community's businesses, shops, and historic buildings. It is a charming area with a small-town feel, featuring local restaurants, boutiques, and community events.

North Mangum

Located north of downtown, this neighborhood is mainly residential, consisting of single-family homes and some apartment complexes. It is a quiet and family-friendly area with tree-lined streets and easy access to local parks and schools.

South Mangum

Situated south of downtown, this neighborhood is also primarily residential. It offers a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and duplexes. South Mangum is close to amenities such as grocery stores, schools, and medical facilities.

East Mangum

The eastern part of Mangum is a mix of residential and commercial areas. Along East Jefferson Street, you'll find a variety of businesses, including restaurants, shops, and professional services. The neighborhood also features some residential streets with homes of different styles and sizes.

West Mangum

The western part of Mangum is primarily residential, with various housing options available, including older historic homes and newer developments. This neighborhood is known for its peaceful atmosphere and wide, spacious streets.

Overall, the neighborhoods in Mangum offer a tight-knit community vibe and a sense of small-town living. Each area has its own unique charm and character, making Mangum a welcoming place to call home.