Kiowa County, OK
Kiowa County was organized in 1901 following the opening of the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache, Caddo-Wichita reservations to non-Indian settlement. This opening attracted more than
165,000 hopeful pioneers, and was the only area of Oklahoma settled by lottery.
At that time is was described as the "cream of all lands, one of the richest in resources of any of the new country with less waste land and beautiful, level, or undulating plain with broad valleys and bottoms of the richest brown loam termed, 'chocolate loam'."
Natural beauty abounds in Kiowa County as the steep granite cliffs of the Quartz Mountains seem to just suddenly appear as you drive along the usually prairie level highway. The eastern border of the county approaches the Wichita Mountains, another area of time worn mountains of solid rock inviting you to climb between the crevices to reach the summits.
To add to the outdoor activity of Oklahoma mountain climbing, the low areas of these mountain ridges contain Lake Altus-Lugert in the Quartz Mountains and Lake Tom Sneed just west of the Wichitas. Both lakes offer fishing, water sports, camping, and a beautiful resort on Lake Altus with a newly added Performing Arts Center.
Named after the Kiowa Indians that occupied the area in the pre-settlement years, Kiowa County was once the ideal crossing for cattle herded up the Great Western Cattle Trail from Texas to the shipping yards in Kansas, witnessing as much cattle movement as the famous Chisholm Trail to the east. Community names like Gotebo (Kau-Tau-Bone, sub chief of the Kiowa) and Lone Wolf (Kiowa Indian Chief) still carry the Indian influence into present.
Explore Kiowa County
Kiowa County Museum
The Kiowa County Museum occupies the historic Rock Island Depot listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1909 and used until the 1970s. The Kiowa County Historical Society acquired the site in 1987
Hobart, OK MuseumsParker Ferris Wheel
Every August for over 90 years, Mountain View, Oklahoma holds its annual free fair. Dominating the skyline is a 1920's Parker ferris wheel, only 1 of 4
Mountain View, OK One Of A KindsThe Great Western Cattle Trail
When driving between Lone Wolf in Kiowa County and Granite in Greer County, on Highway 9, or west out of Sentinel on Highway 55, even the natives of the area have trouble imagining six million Texas Longhorn cattle with hundreds of trail bosses, chuckwagons, and remudas of 40 to 50
Hobart, OK LandmarksOld City Hall
The building was constructed for the use as the City Hall in 1912 by the City Administration. All city offices were located there, including the 2-horse Fire Department. Its upper floor was an auditorium, seating 1200. Through the 1930
Hobart, OK Historic BuildingsKiowa County Courthouse
The Kiowa County Courthouse and Square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed by J. Riley Gordon and constructed in 1902
Hobart, OK Historic CourthousesCarnegie Public Library
The Carnegie Public Library was established and built in 1912 with the donation of City lots by an individual and a Carnegie Foundation grant of $10,000. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, and in 1987
Hobart, OK Carnegie LibrariesHunter Park Lake
Hunter Park is a 25-acre recreational area surrounding Hunter Park Lake. The park has areas for children to play, a pavilion for families to gather for large reunions or for quiet picnics while tossing a line the lake for an afternoon of fishing.
Hobart, OK RecreationWar Memorials
Proudly placed on the front lawn of the Kiowa County Courthouse are two statues of a "Doughboy" and a sailor. Originally cast in 1929, these military figures had once stood as a war memorial on State Highway 9. In February of 1969, Hobart resident, Vernard Holbrook, "found"
Hobart, OK MemorialsHobart Country Club
Course Access: Semi-Private
Holes: 9
Reserve Advance Tee Times: 1