Stories abound as to the origin of the name Nowata. One opinion is that two railroad surveyors took the suggestion of Roberta Campbell Lawson, an educated Delaware Indian woman, "Noweta" meaning "welcome." Others say a Georgian exploring the area found no water at some springs and posted a sign "No Wata" to warn other travelers. Created at statehood, Nowata County took its name from the county seat of Nowata.
In 1904, when oil and gas were discovered, Nowata County became known as the world's largest shallow oil field, and some are still producing. Today, the county is principally ranching.
The Nowata County Courthouse is a historic site and the Verdigris River and Oologah Lake Double Creek Cove provide recreational and fishing opportunities.
A Look at the History of Nowata, by Robert W. DeMoss offers more about the area. Annual events include Wild Turkey Festival in May, Nowata Annual Championship Rodeo (ACRA and CRRA sanctioned) in July, the City-Wide Garage Sale in September and Christmas Open House in December at the Glass Mansion, a home designed and built by John Duncan Forsythe.
For additional information, call the county clerk's office at 918/273-2480 or the Nowata Area Chamber of Commerce at 918/273-2301. County narrative provided courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries from the 2002-2004 Oklahoma Almanac.
| Population Totals | ||
| 2006 Estimate | 2000 Census | |
| Nowata | 10,785 | 10,700 |
| Median Age: | 39.0 | |
| Median Household Income: | $32,048(2004) | $29,470 |
County Government
County Seat- Nowata
Court Clerk- Beverly McKee, D, Nowata
Clerk- Teresa Jackson, D, Nowata
Sheriff- James Hallett, D, Nowata
Treasurer- Bonnie Workman, D, Nowata
Assessor- Carey Pearsall, D, Nowata
Election Board Secretary- Barbara Dawson, R, Nowata
Commissioners:
District 1- Charles Parker, D, Nowata
District 2- Dean Bridges, D, Nowata
District 3- Tim Kilpatrick, R, Nowata
