HISTORY OF NOWATA COUNTY

Located in northeastern Oklahoma, Nowata County was created at statehood, in 1907, from the former Cooweescoowee District, Cherokee Nation West, Indian Territory.

After 1838/39, forced removal of the Cherokee Indians over the Trail of Tears, from Cherokee Nation East, eight of the nine districts were formed in the Cherokee Nation.
The Cherokee Districts are; Flint District, Going Snake District , Delaware District, Sequoyah District, was first known as Skin Bayou District, then name was changed to Sequoyah District after Drennen Roll was taken, Illinois District, Canadian District, Saline District & Tahlequah District.

In 1856 Cooweescoowee District, was formed from the western portion of Saline District.

It took its name from the town of Nowata which serves as its county seat. Stories abound as to the origin of the name Nowata. One opinion is that two railroad surveyors took the suggestion of an educated Delaware Indian woman, "Noweta" meaning "welcome", to name the site. Others say a Georgian exploring the area found no water at some springs and posted a sign "No Wata" to warn the other travelers.

In 1904, when oil and gas were discovered, Nowata County became known as the world's largest shallow oil field. Today, the county is principally agricultural, with cattle products accounting for more than half of the farm income and wheat as the second leading revenue source.

If you look in the Commnites and Towns of Nowata County section below, in Coody's Bluff, there is a time line that might help everyone.

Nowata county covers 577 square miles. Major streams; The Verdigris River and other streams, such as the Big, Hickory, California, Lightning, Salt and Snow Creeks provide recreational and fishing opportunities and Nowata has several parks.