Lawton

Lawton is a city located in the southwestern region of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It is the county seat of Comanche County, and is the principal city of the Lawton, Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Lawton was founded on August 6, 1901, and was named after Major General Henry Ware Lawton, a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in action in the Philippine–American War. Lawton's landscape and city design was largely influenced by the City Beautiful movement of the early 20th century.

Geography

Lawton is located approximately 84 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. The city's geography is typical of the Great Plains region, with flat topography and gently rolling hills. The region is known for its numerous lakes and reservoirs, including Lake Lawtonka, Elmer Thomas Lake, and Lake Ellsworth.

Economy

The economy of Lawton is largely dependent on the public sector. Fort Sill Military Reservation, the city's largest employer, contributes significantly to the economy. Other major sectors include retail trade, manufacturing, and health care.

Education

Lawton is served by the Lawton Public Schools district, which includes two high schools, three middle schools, and numerous elementary schools. The city is also home to Cameron University, a public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs.

Culture

Lawton has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals, museums, and art galleries. The city is known for the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Museum of the Great Plains, and the annual Lawton Arts for All Festival.

Transportation

Lawton is served by the Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport, and is accessible via Interstate 44 and U.S. Highways 62 and 281.

See also

• List of cities in Oklahoma
• Comanche County, Oklahoma