Introduction to Alfalfa County, Oklahoma
Alfalfa County is located in northwestern Oklahoma, bordering Kansas to the north. Established in 1907, it was named after William “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, a prominent Oklahoma politician. The county is primarily agricultural, known for its wheat, alfalfa, and cattle production. Alfalfa County is also home to the Great Salt Plains State Park, a popular destination for tourists. The county has a population of approximately 5,600 people and offers a rural lifestyle with close-knit communities.
Alfalfa County experiences a temperate climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The economy is largely based on agriculture, but tourism and small businesses also contribute to the county’s economic activity.
- County Seat: Cherokee
- Number of Cities and Towns: 5 incorporated towns
- Major School Districts: Cherokee Public Schools, Timberlake Public Schools
Cherokee
City Overview
Cherokee is the county seat and largest city in Alfalfa County, located near the center of the county. Founded in 1901 during the Cherokee Outlet land run, the city quickly developed as an agricultural center, with wheat and cattle driving the local economy. Cherokee has maintained its role as the economic and governmental hub of the county, offering various services to residents and visitors.
Cherokee experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Major landmarks include the Alfalfa County Courthouse, which stands as a symbol of the county’s history, and the nearby Great Salt Plains State Park, a major tourist destination known for salt flat crystal digging, bird watching, and camping.
City Facts
- Population: 1,498 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 1,000 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 73728
- Road Network: U.S. Route 64, State Highway 8
- Nearest Airports: Alva Regional Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (KS)
- Libraries: Cherokee City Library
- Hospitals: Share Medical Center (Alva)
Major Schools
Cherokee Public Schools serve the city of Cherokee. Cherokee High School (grades 9-12) enrolls approximately 200 students and offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including athletics, agriculture, and arts programs. Cherokee Middle School serves students in grades 6-8, while Cherokee Elementary provides education for students in grades K-5. The school district focuses on fostering both academic achievement and community involvement, with small class sizes allowing for personalized instruction and a supportive learning environment.
Jet
City Overview
Jet is a small town located in the southeastern part of Alfalfa County. The town was established in 1893 during the Cherokee Outlet land rush and has remained a quiet, rural community since its founding. Jet is known for its proximity to the Great Salt Plains State Park and the Great Salt Plains Lake, which offer recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and bird watching.
Jet experiences hot summers and cold winters, typical of the region’s continental climate. The town has a strong connection to agriculture, with local farmers producing wheat, alfalfa, and other crops. The town’s rural atmosphere and scenic surroundings attract visitors who enjoy outdoor recreation.
City Facts
- Population: 213 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 260 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 73749
- Road Network: State Highway 11
- Nearest Airports: Enid Woodring Regional Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (KS)
- Libraries: Nearest library in Cherokee
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Cherokee (Share Medical Center)
Major Schools
Jet is part of the Timberlake Public Schools District, which serves multiple communities in the area. Timberlake High School (grades 9-12), located in Helena, serves around 100 students and offers a range of academic courses, including vocational programs and extracurricular activities like FFA (Future Farmers of America) and athletics. Timberlake Middle School serves students in grades 6-8, while elementary students attend Timberlake Elementary School, with a focus on providing a well-rounded education in a rural setting.
Helena
City Overview
Helena is a small town located in the northeastern part of Alfalfa County. Founded in 1894, Helena became a central hub for grain storage and distribution due to its location along the railroad. The town is also home to the James Crabtree Correctional Center, a medium-security prison that provides jobs for the local community. Helena is a quiet residential town with a rich agricultural history and a strong sense of community.
Helena enjoys a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. The town is surrounded by farmland, with wheat and cattle being the primary agricultural products. Helena’s historical downtown area includes several 19th-century buildings that reflect the town’s early days as a key trade and transportation hub.
City Facts
- Population: 1,034 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 200 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 73741
- Road Network: U.S. Route 64
- Nearest Airports: Enid Woodring Regional Airport, Alva Regional Airport
- Libraries: Helena Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Cherokee (Share Medical Center)
Major Schools
Helena is also served by Timberlake Public Schools. Timberlake High School, located in Helena, provides education for students in grades 9-12 and offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, band, and agriculture programs. With a student body of around 100, the school focuses on personalized instruction and preparing students for college and careers. Timberlake Elementary and Middle Schools serve younger students, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and academic success.
Goltry
City Overview
Goltry is a small rural town located in the southern part of Alfalfa County, near the border with Major County. The town was founded in 1904 and has historically been an agricultural community, with wheat, corn, and cattle being the primary products. Though small, Goltry has maintained its rural charm and offers a quiet lifestyle for its residents.
Goltry experiences a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The town’s peaceful, rural environment attracts those who appreciate small-town living and agricultural work. Despite its small size, Goltry residents are closely connected, often participating in community events and gatherings.
City Facts
- Population: 249 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 220 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 73739
- Road Network: State Highway 45
- Nearest Airports: Enid Woodring Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Helena
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Enid (Integris Bass Baptist Health Center)
Major Schools
Goltry is part of the Timberlake Public Schools District, with students attending Timberlake Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. Timberlake Elementary School offers education for students in grades K-5, focusing on personalized learning and early childhood development. Middle and high school students attend classes in Helena, where they have access to various academic and extracurricular programs. The district encourages student participation in activities such as FFA, sports, and academic competitions, helping to create a supportive educational environment.
Burlington
City Overview
Burlington is a small town located in the northwestern part of Alfalfa County, close to the Kansas border. Established in 1906, Burlington has a rich agricultural history and is surrounded by vast farmlands, where wheat and cattle are the dominant industries. The town is known for its strong community spirit and the Burlington School District, which serves as a focal point for the town’s activities.
Burlington enjoys a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. The town is quiet and offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle for its residents. Burlington’s small population contributes to a close-knit community where people know and support each other.
City Facts
- Population: 151 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 130 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 73722
- Road Network: State Highway 8
- Nearest Airports: Alva Regional Airport
- Libraries: Burlington Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Cherokee (Share Medical Center)
Major Schools
Burlington is served by the Burlington School District, which operates a combined elementary, middle, and high school. Burlington High School (grades 9-12) has an enrollment of around 70 students, offering a variety of academic and extracurricular programs. Burlington Elementary/Middle School serves students from K-8, focusing on building a strong educational foundation. The district emphasizes small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention and support for each student. Students participate in various activities, including athletics, academic clubs, and community service projects.