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“More Land” on the Prairie - Mooreland
“More Land” on the Prairie - Mooreland
Small-town spirit shines bright this week in Mooreland—community gatherings, local insights, and fall fun you won’t want to miss!
Megan Thomas
Nov 4, 2025
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Trivia Question❓What Oklahoma city was founded during the Land Run of 1889 and was named after a famous racehorse? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Mooreland — “More Land” on the Prairie |
From the Pages of the Plains
A continuing series celebrating the pioneer families, forgotten towns, and frontier landmarks of Northwest Oklahoma — rewritten from community memories and historical records to preserve the voices of our past.
Part Five: “More Land” on the Prairie Sitting
Just east of Woodward, the town of Mooreland, Oklahoma, has long stood as a symbol of persistence and prairie pride. What began as open grassland on the high plains became a thriving railroad town — and one of the most enduring communities in Woodward County.
When the Frisco Railroad pushed through the region in 1901, settlers from the east and nearby homesteads began gathering near the new depot site. Businesses followed quickly — a blacksmith shop, a general store, and a few modest homes — all clustered around the promise of opportunity that the railroad brought.
But Mooreland’s origin story runs even deeper, tied to five determined men who quite literally named the town.
The Founders’ Story
According to local history, the founders of Mooreland were a group of five men who petitioned for a post office — a crucial step in establishing a permanent settlement. Their original intention was to name the town Dail City, after one of the men in the group.
However, the U.S. Post Office Department rejected the name because a Dell City already existed elsewhere in Oklahoma.
Undeterred, the men proposed a new name — Moreland — a nod to the abundant “more land” still available for settlement across the prairie.
When their application was approved, they discovered a clerical error: the name had been recorded as “Mooreland” with an extra “o.” Rather than go through the lengthy process of resubmitting the paperwork, the founders decided to accept the new spelling and move forward.
To this day, an old safe in Mooreland City Hall bears the name “Moreland” across its front — a tangible relic that confirms this story and honors the town’s humble, handwritten beginnings.
Growing a Prairie Town
Like many frontier communities, Mooreland’s early years were marked by resilience. Churches, schools, and businesses began to flourish, and the town soon became a bustling hub for farmers and ranchers from miles around. The railroad brought goods and news, while the rich surrounding farmland provided steady growth through the decades.
Even after fires, droughts, and economic hardships, Mooreland has continued to embody the frontier spirit — a community built by persistence, faith, and a shared pride in local roots.
Historical information contributed by Betty Sue Eilers (my 5th grade history teacher) and Family
“From the Pages of the Plains” will continue next issue with Part Six — a trip north to Quinlan, Oklahoma, once a bustling rail and ranching town whose memory still lingers in the red dust and prairie wind. |
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Woodward Court's Food for Fines program has returned for the third year, allowing individuals with overdue fines to donate non-perishable food items in exchange for reducing their fines. The program aims to help those in need during the holiday season while also alleviating the burden of overdue fines for community members. The donated food items will be given to local food pantries to assist those facing food insecurity. This initiative provides a positive way for individuals to give back to the community and support those in need while also addressing their own fines. Read More... |
Woodward teacher, Jessica Mills, was selected as one of 11 educators statewide to receive the Bushels for Books award, which provides funds to purchase agricultural literacy materials for classrooms. Mills plans to use the award money to enhance her students' understanding of agriculture and the role it plays in their daily lives. The award is given by Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation. Read More... |
The article discusses the beautiful fall weather expected in Oklahoma, with temperatures reaching the 70s and 80s during the day and dropping into the 50s and 60s at night. Low humidity and clear skies are predicted, making for perfect conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking and picnicking. While some areas may experience slight temperature fluctuations, overall, it is expected to be a pleasant autumn season in Oklahoma. Enjoying the crisp fall weather and vibrant foliage is recommended before winter arrives. Read More... |
The article discusses how former Freedom rancher, Lori Morrison, is bringing the Oklahoma story to the silver screen through her film production company, Random Atmosphere. Morrison aims to focus on the rich history and untold stories of Oklahoma through her films, including a documentary on the Dust Bowl era. She hopes to shed light on the state's unique heritage and bring attention to important issues affecting local communities. By sharing these stories through film, Morrison hopes to preserve the history and culture of Oklahoma for future generations. Read More... |
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Meet & Play |
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"Computers, Cake, & Coffee" with Bizzva Branding |
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Blood Drive at High Plains Technology Center |
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Woodward Senior Center’s Birthday/Thanksgiving Dinner |
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Corner Lounge Trivia Night |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Guthrie - It was originally a railroad station called Deer Creek, and the name was changed to Guthrie in honor of jurist John Guthrie of Topeka, Kansas. |