Ponca City in Kay County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Ponca Military Academy
1940-1974
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 15, 2022
1. Ponca Military Academy Marker
Ponca Military Academy was established in 1940 by the late Colonel William V. Cox and his wife Blanche. PMA made a vibrant contribution to the Ponca City community and to the State of Oklahoma. Dedicated to the growth and advancement of young men, Ponca Military Academy opened their doors to not only young men from Oklahoma, but throughout the country. Originally located on 56 acres of land, the Academy occupied what was a former training facility and country club for E.W. Marland's oil company which became the Continental Oil Company (Conoco). An administration building, barracks, gym, parade grounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, and a playground encompassed the Academy. They were located one-half mile south of this location at the end of Academy Road and along Cadet Road. At its height PMA had 150 student cadets and 14 faculty. After 34 years of operation the decision was made to close the Academy in 1974. Approximately 4,000 young men attended PMA through its 34 years.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.
Location. 36° 43.417′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and Cherokee Outlet.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ponca City Library (approx. 2½ miles away); Lewis Haines (Lew) Wentz (approx. 2½ miles away); Ponca City World War Memorial (approx. 2½ miles away); Burton Seymour "B. S." Barnes (approx. 2½ miles away); Oklahoma Centennial Bench (approx. 2½ miles away); Mrs. W.T. Oates (approx. 2½ miles away); E. W. Marland (approx. 2½
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 15, 2022
2. View of marker in the Ponca Military Academy Memorial Park.
Also see . . . Ponca Military Academy Memorial Park. American Legion website entry (Submitted on June 15, 2022, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 15, 2022
3. Replica's of the PMA school buildings.
On left is the gym, center building is the living quarters, and on the right is the admin, dining, kitchen, library, classrooms and Auditorium.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2022, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,260 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 15, 2022, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
