Ada in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Founding of Ada
Queen City of the Chickasaw Nation
Photographed By Jason Armstrong, March 27, 2021
1. Founding of Ada Marker
Ada, Indian Territory was founded on lands acquired from Chickasaw and Choctaw citizens. The U.S. Government forcibly removed the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations to this area from their southeastern homelands. The town began in 1890 when William Jefferson (Jeff) Reed built a log store and dwelling near present Fourth St. and Oak Ave. A Post Office was established July 10, 1891 and the town was named "Ada" for Reed's oldest daughter.
In 1900 the stores and Post Office moved to near the newly-arrived St. Louis and San Francisco (Frisco) Railroad. The original passenger depot sat between Broadway and Townsend Streets. In 1913 a new depot was built on this site. In 1968 the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce moved into the newly-renovated depot. Incorporated in 1901, Ada became the county seat of Pontotoc County at Statehood in 1907.
Railway transportation, the creation in 1909 of present East Central University, and the procurement of a prolific water supply from Byrd's Mill in 1910 set the stage for steady economic and cultural growth. From a raw frontier town Ada evolved into "The Queen City of the Chickasaw Nation."
Dedicated October 18, 2001
Oklahoma Historical Society T1-2001
Manufactured and donated by Gifford Monument Works
Erected 2001 by Oklahoma
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is July 10, 1891.
Location. 34° 46.482′ N, 96° 40.938′ W. Marker is in Ada, Oklahoma, in Pontotoc County. Marker is on West Main Street east of North Cherry Avenue, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located in the west end of the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 W Main Street, Ada OK 74820, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pontotoc County War Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Ode to Byrds Mill Spring (approx. ¼ mile away); Sasakwa (approx. 13.8 miles away).
Photographed By Jason Armstrong, March 27, 2021
2. Founding of Ada Marker Reverse
Photographed By Jason Armstrong, March 27, 2021
3. Founding of Ada Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2021, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. This page has been viewed 327 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 17, 2021, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
