Byars, OK

As you drive down I-35, the Wayne Payne exit is a landmark for many people.  Just 30 miles to the east of the interstate, on Highway 59, is the quaint town of Byars, Oklahoma.

Going over the rolling hills and past the green pastures, still today it is easy to see what drew settlers to this area in the mid 19^th century.  One mile north of Byars is the location that was chosen for Camp Arbuckle, which resulted in the first permanent building in McClain County.

In 1850, the US Infantry was in need of an outpost on the California Road, further north than Fort Washita, in Durant, Oklahoma. After marching for 70 miles, the site north of Byars was chosen and construction immediately commenced. After the Infantry moved on from this outpost, the Delaware Indians set up camp at Camp Arbuckle, but also abandoned the area by the time the US Civil War began. Unfortunately, there are no remnants of the settlement visible today.

In 1903, the area that is now Byars got a new burst of energy from the railroads. Oklahoma Central Railway brought people to the town and energized the economy.

Another main source of economy in the early years of Byars was cattle ranching. Even today it is home to the Southwest Reining Horse Association. By the time Oklahoma achieved statehood in 1907, Byars had a population of 537. Peaking in 1920 with 626 people, the population then began to decrease over the years.

Today 255 people reside in Byars, and the school closed, giving students the option to attend other nearby schools in the area. You can find many long-time residents checking in daily at The Riverbank General Store, which is the heart of town. Inside the building built in 1907, people come in to grab a cup of coffee, a bite to eat on the grill, a few groceries, and most of all, swap news and stories.

Although a drive through downtown reveals many closed storefronts, it is easy to see that the town of Byars has served a great place in Oklahoma history, and has been home for many Oklahomans throughout the years. Hard work, agriculture, railroads, and bold settlers have made the heart of Oklahoma what it is, and in Byars, it can still be found.