Comanche, Oklahoma is located in the southwestern portion of the state. The town is situated in the rolling hills and plains of Stephens County, which is part of the Red River Valley. The city itself lies at an elevation of 1,289 feet above sea level. It is bordered to the north by Carter County, to the east by Jefferson County, and to the west by Greer County.
Comanche is home to several notable geographical features, including the Washita River and Lake Texoma. The Washita River meanders through the town, providing a scenic backdrop for the city. Lake Texoma, which is located just north of Comanche, is one of the largest reservoirs in Oklahoma. It provides recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake is also a popular destination for camping and hiking. Additionally, Comanche boasts an abundance of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. There are also several parks in the area that offer excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. These include Comanche Park, which features a playground and picnic area; Perry Creek Park; and Red River Wildlife Refuge.
History of Comanche, Oklahoma
The area that is now Comanche, Oklahoma has a long and storied history. It was originally inhabited by the Tonkawa people, who were later displaced by the Comanche nation in the 18th century. The area was a major trading center for Native Americans throughout the region, and its location at the crossroads of several trails made it an important stop for settlers heading westward. In 1858, the US Army established Fort Sill in nearby Lawton as a way to protect travelers from Native American attacks.
In 1895, Comanche became an incorporated town with just over 200 residents. The city grew quickly as more settlers arrived looking for work in the local oil fields and other industries. By 1920, the population had grown to nearly 2,000 people. During this time period, Comanche saw rapid development and expansion with new businesses opening up all around town.
Throughout World War II and the Cold War era, Comanche served as an important military base for both Fort Sill and Sheppard Air Force Base in nearby Wichita Falls. After both bases closed down in 1971, many of their personnel stayed in Comanche to start new lives as ranchers or business owners.
Today, Comanche is home to over 3,000 residents who enjoy living in a small-town atmosphere with access to big-city amenities like shopping centers and restaurants. It is also home to many historical sites like Fort Sill National Historic Landmark & Museum that draw visitors from across Oklahoma and beyond each year.
Economy of Comanche, Oklahoma
According to andyeducation, the economy of Comanche, Oklahoma is largely based on ranching and agriculture. The area is known for its cattle and sheep ranches, as well as its production of wheat, corn, sorghum, and hay. In addition to these traditional agricultural activities, Comanche also serves as a regional hub for oil and gas production. The city has several oil refineries that process crude oil from the nearby Permian Basin into gasoline and other petroleum products.
In recent years, the economy of Comanche has diversified with the addition of new industries such as healthcare, retail services, hospitality services, and manufacturing. The city has several major employers in these sectors including Comanche County Memorial Hospital, Walmart Supercenter, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Comanche, and Cargill Incorporated.
Comanche is also home to a vibrant tourism industry that draws visitors from all over the state each year. Tourists come to enjoy outdoor activities like camping at Lake Comanche or hiking in nearby parks like Red River Wildlife Refuge. The city also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year including the annual Red River Roundup Rodeo in June and the Comanche Western Days Festival in September.
Comanche’s economy is strong with a diverse range of industries that provide residents with ample opportunities for employment and growth. The city’s small-town charm combined with its access to big-city amenities makes it an attractive place for businesses looking to expand their operations or individuals seeking a new place to call home.
Politics in Comanche, Oklahoma
Comanche, Oklahoma is a city located in Stephens County and governed by a mayor-council form of government. The mayor is elected to a four-year term and is the chief executive of the city. The mayor is responsible for setting policy, appointing department heads, and overseeing day-to-day operations. The city council consists of five members who are elected to four-year terms and have legislative authority over the city’s budget and laws.
The city of Comanche has been under Republican leadership since the mid-1990s. Republican candidates have been successful in recent mayoral elections with current Mayor Mark Bivins being reelected in 2019 for his third term in office. Republicans also hold all five seats on the city council with the most recent election taking place in 2017.
At the state level, Comanche is represented by two senators and four representatives in the Oklahoma Legislature. All six of these positions are currently held by Republicans who generally support conservative policies such as limited government, lower taxes, pro-business initiatives, and religious freedom protections.
The federal government also plays an important role in Comanche’s politics with U.S Senator James Lankford representing Oklahoma at large along with U.S Representatives Frank Lucas (R) for District 3 and Tom Cole (R) for District 4 both representing parts of Comanche County. Both Senator Lankford and Representatives Lucas and Cole are Republicans who typically advocate for conservative values on issues such as fiscal responsibility, personal freedoms, national security, health care access, energy production, education reform, veterans’ rights, immigration reform, environment protection regulations etc.
Comanche’s politics are largely shaped by its Republican leadership at both local and state levels which promotes conservative values like limited government intervention, lower taxes, pro-business initiatives, religious freedom protections etc.