Seminole

Seminole's early years ended hard. A fire in 1923 destroyed several downtown businesses, the town had only about 400 people in 1930, and its First State Bank failed in 1933. Oil spared it the worst of the Depression. Seminole incorporated in 1936, with C. C. Clothes as first mayor and a first bond issue that built a water system. After rural schools were consolidated, its district was believed in 1937 to be the largest in the country, covering some 753 square miles while serving only 370 students. By 1950 Seminole had passed Seagraves as the county's largest town.

What the plaque says

Seminole Founded and designated county seat in 1905, same year county was organized. Took name from Seminole Wells, Indian watering places to south and west. First store and post office were established in 1905 by W. B. Austin of nearby Caput. The courthouse was built in 1906. Seminole grew slowly, being chiefly important as a trading center. Arrival of the Midland & Northwestern Railroad (1918) and development of highways and oil resources all helped seed the town's later expansion. Today it is a business center for farming and petroleum industry. (1970)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Gaines County — steps away
• Gaines County — 0.3 mi
• Dan Cobb — 0.3 mi
• Oil Industry in Gaines County — 7.8 mi