Introduction to Adair County, Oklahoma
Adair County is located in the northeastern part of Oklahoma, bordered by Delaware County to the north, Cherokee County to the west, and the state of Arkansas to the east. Established in 1907 when Oklahoma gained statehood, the county was named after the Adair family, who were prominent Cherokee leaders. Adair County is home to a large population of Cherokee Nation citizens, and its history is deeply connected to the Trail of Tears and Cherokee heritage.
The county is characterized by its scenic landscapes, including the Ozark foothills, lush forests, and rivers that make it a popular destination for outdoor activities. Adair County experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The population is approximately 22,000, with most residents living in rural communities.
- County Seat: Stilwell
- Number of Cities and Towns: 5
- Major School Districts: Stilwell Public Schools, Westville Public Schools, Watts Public Schools, Cave Springs Public Schools
Stilwell
City Overview
Stilwell is the county seat of Adair County, located in the center of the county along U.S. Route 59. The town was founded in 1897 as a railroad town for the Kansas City Southern Railway and quickly became the commercial hub of the region. Stilwell is well-known for its annual Strawberry Festival, which celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage. The festival attracts visitors from across Oklahoma and neighboring states.
Stilwell experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and relatively mild winters. Major landmarks in the town include the Adair County Courthouse and the Cherokee National Capitol Building. Stilwell’s proximity to the Ozark Mountains offers residents and visitors access to scenic hiking trails, fishing, and camping.
City Facts
- Population: 3,949 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 930 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 74960
- Road Network: U.S. Route 59, State Highway 51
- Nearest Airports: Northwest Arkansas National Airport, Fayetteville Municipal Airport (AR)
- Libraries: Stilwell Public Library
- Hospitals: Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital
Major Schools
Stilwell Public Schools serves the educational needs of the community. Stilwell High School (grades 9-12) enrolls approximately 600 students and offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, agriculture education, and sports teams like football, basketball, and track. Stilwell Middle School serves grades 6-8, while Stilwell Elementary School serves grades K-5, with a combined enrollment of about 1,200 students. The district emphasizes Cherokee culture and language preservation alongside a strong academic curriculum.
Westville
City Overview
Westville is a small town in northern Adair County, near the Arkansas state line. Founded in 1895, Westville grew as a result of the Kansas City Southern Railway extending into the area. Historically, Westville was a center for farming and livestock, and today it maintains its agricultural roots while also serving as a quiet, rural community.
The climate in Westville is similar to the rest of Adair County, with hot summers and mild winters. The town is known for its peaceful atmosphere and small-town charm. Westville’s proximity to the Ozark Mountains and Arkansas border provides residents with easy access to outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and fishing.
City Facts
- Population: 1,572 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 1,100 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 74965
- Road Network: U.S. Route 59, State Highway 62
- Nearest Airports: Northwest Arkansas National Airport, Fayetteville Municipal Airport (AR)
- Libraries: Westville Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Stilwell (Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital)
Major Schools
Westville Public Schools serves the town and surrounding rural areas. Westville High School (grades 9-12) has an enrollment of approximately 400 students and offers a variety of academic programs, including vocational training and college preparatory courses. Westville Junior High School (grades 6-8) and Westville Elementary School (grades K-5) serve around 800 students in total. The school district also emphasizes sports and extracurricular activities, such as football, basketball, and Future Farmers of America (FFA).
Watts
City Overview
Watts is located in the northeastern part of Adair County, near the Arkansas border and just a few miles south of the Illinois River. The town was established in 1912, and like many towns in the region, it developed as a railroad town along the Kansas City Southern Railway. Today, Watts is a small but active community known for its close proximity to natural attractions.
The weather in Watts features hot, humid summers and mild winters. One of the town’s key attractions is the Illinois River, which offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Watts is also close to Natural Falls State Park, a popular destination for hiking and nature walks.
City Facts
- Population: 324 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 530 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 74964
- Road Network: U.S. Route 59
- Nearest Airports: Northwest Arkansas National Airport, Tulsa International Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Westville
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Stilwell (Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital)
Major Schools
Watts Public Schools serves the local community, with Watts High School (grades 9-12) enrolling approximately 150 students. The school offers a variety of academic programs, including agriculture education and technology courses. Watts Junior High (grades 6-8) and Watts Elementary School (grades K-5) serve about 300 students combined. The small school size allows for a personalized learning experience, with strong community support and involvement in school activities, including sports and academic competitions.
Proctor
City Overview
Proctor is an unincorporated community located in western Adair County, near the border with Cherokee County. The area is predominantly rural and is known for its scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, rivers, and forests. Proctor has a long history tied to Native American culture, particularly the Cherokee Nation, and the area remains culturally significant to the Cherokee people.
Proctor experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The town is close to the Illinois River and the Ozark National Forest, making it an excellent location for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. While Proctor is a small and quiet community, its natural beauty makes it a peaceful retreat for its residents.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 200
- Population Density: Low, rural area
- ZIP Code: 74457
- Road Network: U.S. Route 62
- Nearest Airports: Fayetteville Municipal Airport (AR), Tulsa International Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Stilwell
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Stilwell (Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital)
Major Schools
Proctor students typically attend schools in Stilwell, as part of the Stilwell Public Schools district. Stilwell High School offers a wide range of programs, including advanced academic courses and career technical education. The nearby elementary and middle schools provide a solid educational foundation for students from Proctor and surrounding areas. The district emphasizes both Cherokee heritage and academic achievement, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education.
Bell
City Overview
Bell is a small, rural community located in southeastern Adair County, near the Arkansas state line. Historically, Bell was a farming community, and agriculture still plays a significant role in the local economy. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and open farmland, offering a quiet and scenic setting for its residents.
Bell experiences typical Oklahoma weather, with hot summers and mild winters. The town’s proximity to both the Arkansas border and nearby towns like Stilwell and Westville makes it a convenient location for those seeking a rural lifestyle with access to nearby amenities.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 400
- Population Density: Low, rural area
- ZIP Code: 74960
- Road Network: U.S. Route 59
- Nearest Airports: Northwest Arkansas National Airport, Tulsa International Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Stilwell
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Stilwell (Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital)
Major Schools
Students in Bell attend Stilwell Public Schools, which provide education for grades K-12. Stilwell High School, with approximately 600 students, offers a range of academic and extracurricular activities, including arts, sports, and vocational training. The Stilwell Elementary and Middle Schools also serve students from Bell, providing a comprehensive education focused on both academic success and cultural enrichment, particularly in relation to Cherokee heritage.