Cities and Towns in Coal County, Oklahoma
Founded in 1907, Coal County is one of 77 counties in the state of Oklahoma. Historically, Coal County was formed from Atoka County, Choctaw Nation. The city of Coalgate is the county seat. With FIPS code of 29, Coal County has a population of 5,276 and area of 518 square miles (1,342 km²).
List of all cities in Coal County, OK alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Centrahoma, OK | 74534 | 580 |
| Clarita, OK | 74535 | 580 |
| Coalgate, OK | 74538 | 580 |
| Cottonwood, OK | 74538 | 580 |
| Lehigh, OK | 74556 | 580 |
| Olney, OK | 74538 | 580 |
| Phillips, OK | 74538 | 580 |
| Tupelo, OK | 74572 | 580 |
Major Cities and Towns in Coal County, Oklahoma
Coalgate
Overview
- Area: Approximately 1.6 square miles
- Population: 1,663 residents (as of 2020)
- ZIP Code: 74538
- Latitude: 34.5334° N
- Longitude: -96.2186° W
Location and History
Coalgate, the county seat of Coal County, is situated in southeastern Oklahoma at the intersection of U.S. Highway 75 and State Highway 31. Established in 1889 as a coal-mining camp, it was originally known as Liddle. The town’s name was later changed to Coalgate, reflecting its central role in the region’s coal industry. In 1908, Coalgate was selected as the county seat, solidifying its importance in the area. The city’s development was closely tied to the coal mining boom, which attracted a diverse population and led to economic growth.
Education
Coalgate is served by the Coalgate Public Schools district, which includes Coalgate High School, Middle School, and Elementary School. The district is committed to providing quality education and offers various extracurricular activities to support student development.
Landmarks
A notable landmark in Coalgate is the Coal County Historical and Mining Museum, which showcases the area’s rich mining heritage through exhibits of mining instruments, tools, historic photographs, and local artifacts. The museum also features displays on prominent Coal County citizens and offers insights into the region’s history. Additionally, the Coalgate School Gymnasium-Auditorium, built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a reminder of the community’s historical architecture.
Lehigh
Overview
- Area: Approximately 1.6 square miles
- Population: 270 residents (as of 2020)
- ZIP Code: 74556
- Latitude: 34.4701° N
- Longitude: -96.2178° W
Location and History
Lehigh is located in northeastern Coal County, approximately 5 miles northeast of Coalgate. Founded in 1877 as a coal-mining camp, it was initially known as Boone but was later renamed Lehigh after the coal-mining district in Pennsylvania. The town experienced significant growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming a cultural center in the region. At statehood in 1907, Lehigh was designated as the county seat; however, a special election in 1908 resulted in Coalgate assuming that role. The decline of the coal industry in the 1920s led to a decrease in population and economic activity.
Education
Lehigh is part of the Coalgate Public Schools district, with students attending schools in nearby Coalgate. The district provides comprehensive educational programs and extracurricular activities to support student growth.
Landmarks
The Lehigh Historical Society maintains a museum housed in the restored 1907 Lehigh Merchants National Bank building. The museum features exhibits on the town’s coal mining history, local artifacts, and memorabilia, preserving the heritage of the community. Additionally, the Benjamin Franklin Smallwood House, located near Lehigh, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers insights into the area’s historical architecture.
Tupelo
Overview
- Area: Approximately 0.4 square miles
- Population: 323 residents (as of 2020)
- ZIP Code: 74572
- Latitude: 34.6045° N
- Longitude: -96.4242° W
Location and History
Tupelo is situated in the northwestern part of Coal County, approximately 15 miles northwest of Coalgate. The town was established in the early 20th century, with its development closely linked to the expansion of the railroad and agriculture. Named after Tupelo, Mississippi, the town served as a local center for farming and trade. Over the years, Tupelo has maintained its rural character, with agriculture remaining a central aspect of the community’s economy.
Education
Tupelo Public Schools serves the town’s educational needs, offering classes from elementary through high school. The district emphasizes academic excellence and community involvement, providing various programs to support student achievement.
Landmarks
Tupelo’s proximity to natural landscapes offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. The town hosts annual community events and festivals that celebrate its agricultural heritage and foster a strong sense of community among residents.
Centrahoma
Overview
- Area: Approximately 0.3 square miles
- Population: 83 residents (as of 2020)
- ZIP Code: 74534
- Latitude: 34.6062° N
- Longitude: -96.3378° W
Location and History
Centrahoma is located in eastern Coal County, approximately 10 miles east of Coalgate. The town was established in the early 20th century, with its name reflecting its central location in Oklahoma. Centrahoma developed as a small farming community, with agriculture serving as the primary occupation of its residents. Over time, the town has maintained its rural character and close-knit community atmosphere.
Education
Centrahoma is part of the Coalgate Public Schools district, with students attending schools in nearby Coalgate. The district provides quality education and various extracurricular activities to support student development.
Landmarks
The town’s rural setting offers residents and visitors opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. Centrahoma hosts community events and gatherings that celebrate its agricultural heritage and foster a strong sense of community among residents.