Located in south-central Oklahoma, Stephens County was created at statehood and named for Texas politician John H. Stephens. Early explorers traveled the area including the Dodge-Leavenworth expedition in 1834 and Capt. Randolph B. Marcy, who led an expedition in 1852 to track the source of the Red River. After the Civil War, the Chisholm Trail was established and ran through Stephens County. In 1892, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway was built in the county. The oil and gas exploration industry grew in Stephens County in the 1910s, expanding the local economy. Today, the Stephens County Historical Museum in Duncan showcases the history of the county. Also in Duncan, the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center celebrates the history and culture of the Chisholm Trail and the American West. Duncan Lake offers campsites, fishing, hiking and equestrian trails.
In 2000, census records showed 43,182 people living in Stephens County. Countless resources exist for tracing genealogy in Stephens County. For more information about genealogy in Stephens County, resources are provided below.
Stephens County Courthouse Information
Detailed Map of Stephens County
Existing Towns in Stephens County
Ghost Towns in Stephens County
Newspaper Archives of Stephens County
Add'l Resources for Stephens County
Places to Visit in Stephens County
Stephens County Courthouse Information
Stephens County Courthouse
101 S. 11th St.
Duncan, OK 73533
Telephone: (580) 255-0977
Directions: On the square at S. 11th St. & W. Maple Ave.
Detailed Map of Stephens County
Search for cemeteries, highways and scenic sites, or examine county and township lines, with this detailed map of Stephens County.
Existing Towns in Stephens County
While researching your family history in Stephens County, be sure to visit Duncan, the largest town in the area. The following towns and cities are located in present day Stephens County, Oklahoma.
Ghost Towns in Stephens County
The following towns and cities either no longer exist in Stephens County or are still populated, but significantly less so than in years past. These towns and cities are commonly referred to as "ghost towns."
Alma
Corum
Denton
Harrisburg
Hope
Nellie
Harrison
Sunray
Cemeteries in Stephens County
The following cemeteries are located in present day Stephens County, Oklahoma.
All Saints Episcopal
Church Cemetery
Bailey Cemetery
Gaddis Cemetery
Indian Cemetery
Jackson Cemetery
Lawton Cemetery
Old Fairlawn Cemetery
Old Indian Cemetery
Old Santa Fe Cemetery
Scott Cemetery
Winter Cemetery
Libraries in Stephens County
Duncan Public Library
2211 N Hwy 81
Duncan, OK 73533
Telephone: (580) 255-0636
Garland Smith Public Library
407 W. Seminole
Marlow, OK 73055
Telephone: (580) 658-5354
Historic Newspaper Archives of Stephens County
Additional Genealogy Resources for Stephens County
Stephens County on OKGenWeb: Oklahoma Genealogy & History
Stephens County Genealogical Society
301 N. 8th St.
Duncan, OK 73533
Telephone: (580) 255-8718
Places to Visit in Stephens County
While researching your family history in Stephens County, be sure to check out the following attractions located in the area.
Chisholm Trail Heritage Center
