Located in southeastern Oklahoma, Bryan County is named for famous orator William Jennings Bryan. The area was first settled by Choctaw Indians following their removal from Mississippi. The Indians established several schools in the area during the mid to late 1800s. One of the schools, the Armstrong Academy for Boys in Durant, later served as the capital of the Choctaw Nation.
Durant, the county seat, is the site of many manufacturers, including American Packing, Bryan County Manufacturing, Potter Sausage, and Stahl Metal Products.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant is the site of the Oklahoma Shakespeare Festival. Held annually during June and July, this popular event has gained national recognition. The historic Bryan Hotel in Durant once served as southeastern Oklahoma's center for social and political activities. Many national politicians, including Robert Kerr, Carl Albert, and William Jennings Bryan, included the hotel as a stop on their campaign trails. The hotel has been restored, and tours are available.
Lake Texoma Resort provides a variety of recreational facilities, including a golf course, marina and camping facilities. For information, call the county clerk at 580/924-2202. County narrative provided courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries from the 2002-2004 Oklahoma Almanac.
| Population Totals | ||
| 2000 Census | 2010 Census | |
| Bryan | 36,534 | 42,416 |
| Median Age: | 35.8 | 37.2 |
| Median Household Income: | $27,888 | $37,230 |
Colleges and Universities
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
www.sosu.edu
County Government
County Seat: Durant
Court Clerk: Sandy Stroud, D, Durant
Clerk: Tammy Reynolds, D, Durant
Sheriff: Bill Sturch, D, Hendrix
Treasurer: Nancy Conner, D, Durant
Assessor: Glendel Rushing, D, Durant
Election Board Secretary: Linda Fahrendorf, D, Durant
Commissioners:
District 1 – Monty Montgomery, D, Mead
District 2 – Tom Simmons, D, Bokchito
District 3 – Jay Perry, D, Bennington
