Back

Facts for Kids

Lawton is a vibrant city in Oklahoma known for its friendly community, rich history, and beautiful parks, making it a fun place for families and kids.

Overview

Economy

History

Education

Demographics

Notable People

Transportation

Recreation And Parks

Geography And Climate

Government And Politics

Cultural Events And Festivals

main image

Inside this Article

Reba Mcentire

Major General

United States

Basketball

Atmosphere

Government

Creativity

Mountains

Community

Did you know?

๐ŸŒ† Lawton, Oklahoma, is the county seat of Comanche County.

๐Ÿ‘ฅ The city has a population of around 93,000 people, making it quite busy.

๐Ÿฐ Lawton is located near the historic Fort Sill military base.

๐Ÿš€ It was founded in 1901 during a time of westward migration.

โš”๏ธ Major General Henry W. Lawton, a hero of the Spanish-American War, inspired the city's name.

๐ŸŒ„ The city is surrounded by beautiful hills and is close to the Wichita Mountains.

๐ŸŽ–๏ธ About 40% of Lawton's population consists of military families because of Fort Sill.

๐Ÿ’ผ The city's main employers include the military, healthcare, and retail industries.

๐ŸŽ“ Lawton has a well-developed education system with numerous schools and a college.

๐ŸŽ‰ Lawton hosts exciting cultural events like the Comanche Nation Fair throughout the year.

Introduction

Lawton is a fun city located in Oklahoma, United States! ๐ŸŒŸ

Itโ€™s the county seat of Comanche County, which means itโ€™s an important place where decisions are made. Lawton has a population of around 93,000 people, making it quite a busy city. Itโ€™s known for its friendly community and beautiful parks. Did you know? Lawton is located near the famous Fort Sill, a historic military base! ๐Ÿฐ

There are many exciting things to explore in Lawton, including museums, shopping areas, and delicious restaurants. Itโ€™s a great place for families and kids to play and learn!
Read Less

Economy

Lawton has a strong economy, which means many people work here and can buy things they need. ๐Ÿ’ผ

The cityโ€™s main employers are the military, healthcare, and retail industries. Fort Sill is one of the largest employers, providing jobs for many locals. ๐Ÿฅ

Retail stores and restaurants are also big contributors to the economy, helping it thrive. Additionally, Lawton has small businesses that support the community, making it an exciting place to shop! The city's economy works hard to make sure everyone has what they need to live comfortably. ๐Ÿ’–

Read Less

History

Lawton was founded back in 1901. ๐Ÿš€

It was created during a time when people were moving west in search of new opportunities. The city got its name from a hero of the Spanish-American War, Major General Henry W. Lawton. ๐ŸŒ

Fort Sill was built nearby, which helped shape the city's growth. Many Native American tribes, including the Apache and Comanche, originally lived in this area. Over time, Lawton grew quickly, and it became a bustling city during the 20th century. Today, you can still see hints of its rich history in various historical sites! โš”

๏ธ
Read Less

Education

Lawton has many schools where kids can learn new things and have fun! ๐ŸŽ“

The Lawton Public Schools system has about 20 elementary schools, several middle schools, and a couple of high schools. Students learn everything from math and science to art and music! ๐ŸŽจ

Lawton also has a college called Cameron University, where older students can continue their education. The teachers and staff work hard to create a positive learning environment, so kids can feel excited about their future. With various after-school activities, thereโ€™s always something fun to do! ๐Ÿซ

Read Less

Demographics

Lawton is a diverse city with many different people living there! ๐Ÿ‘ฅ

The majority of its residents are African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic, creating a rich tapestry of cultures. The city is home to about 40% of military families because of Fort Sill nearby. ๐ŸŽ–

๏ธ Many of the people here love to celebrate their backgrounds, making it a vibrant community. Lawton is known for its friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Kids make up a significant part of the population, meaning there are plenty of friends to meet at schools and parks! ๐ŸŒˆ

Read Less

Notable People

Lawton has been home to several notable people who have made a splash in various fields! ๐Ÿ†

One famous native is Reba McEntire, a country music superstar, known for her incredible voice and many hit songs. ๐ŸŽค

Another is Gary Busey, a well-known actor famous for his roles in movies. Lawton also has athletes like James Lawton, who made a name for himself in baseball. โšพ

These inspiring individuals show that anyone from Lawton can achieve greatness and make a difference in the world! ๐ŸŒŸ

Read Less

Transportation

Getting around Lawton is easy and convenient! ๐ŸšŒ

The city has a bus service that allows people to travel without needing a car. Many residents also enjoy biking or walking to nearby destinations, as the city is quite walkable. ๐Ÿšถ

โ€โ™‚๏ธ The streets in Lawton are designed to make driving smooth, making it accessible for families. If youโ€™re heading out of town, Lawton is near major highways that connect to other cities. ๐Ÿš—

This helps families explore nearby attractions and enjoy more fun adventures together! ๐ŸŒŸ

Read Less

Recreation And Parks

Lawton has some fantastic parks for everyone to enjoy! ๐ŸŒณ

One popular park is Elmer Thomas Park, which has playgrounds, a lake, and picnic areas. Families love spending time there, especially during the weekends! ๐ŸŒž

Another fun spot is the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, perfect for hiking and seeing different animals like deer and bison! ๐ŸฆŒ

Kids can participate in sports leagues, such as soccer and basketball, and even play in local swim teams during the summer. With so many options, Lawton is a great place to play and explore the outdoors! ๐Ÿž

๏ธ
Read Less

Geography And Climate

Lawton is located in southwestern Oklahoma, surrounded by beautiful hills and plains. ๐ŸŒ„

Itโ€™s close to the Wichita Mountains, which create a stunning backdrop. The city has a warm climate with hot summers and mild winters. โ˜€

๏ธ Summer temperatures can reach over 90ยฐF (32ยฐC), while winter can be quite chilly, dropping below 30ยฐF (-1ยฐC). Lawton also gets some rain, especially in the spring. ๐ŸŒง

๏ธ This climate is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, playing sports, or just hanging out in nature!
Read Less

Government And Politics

Lawton has its own city government that makes important decisions for the community. ๐Ÿ›

๏ธ The city is led by a mayor and a group of council members who represent different areas of Lawton. They work together to create laws and budgets to keep the city safe and fun! ๐Ÿš”

Citizens can vote in local elections to help choose their leaders. Itโ€™s important for everyone, including kids who will grow up to participate in the future. By being involved, everyone can help shape the city into an even better place to live!
Read Less

Cultural Events And Festivals

Throughout the year, Lawton hosts many exciting cultural events and festivals! ๐ŸŽ‰

One of the biggest events is the Comanche Nation Fair, celebrating the rich culture of the Comanche people. There are fun games, delicious food, and traditional dance performances! ๐Ÿฝ

๏ธ The Arts for All Festival showcases local artists and musicians, making it a colorful celebration of creativity. ๐ŸŽถ

Additionally, the Lawton Christmas Parade fills the streets with lights and festive cheer each December. These events help bring the community together, creating lasting memories for everyone! ๐ŸŽŠ

Read Less

Lawton Quiz

Q1
Question 1 of 10
Next

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY back?!

How do I reactivate my account?

How do I sign up?

Are the android and iOS apps coming back?

What is DIY?

What is a โ€œChallengeโ€ on DIY?

What is a โ€œCourseโ€ on DIY?

What are โ€œSkillsโ€ on DIY?

What if I'm new to all thisโ€”where do I begin?

Do I need special materials or equipment?

Is DIY safe for kids?

Can I collaborate with other DIYers on a project?

How do Mentors, Mods, and Jr. Mods help us?

What is DIY?

What's the recommended age for DIY?