Gene Autry is a town located in Carter County, Oklahoma. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 99.

History

Originally named Lou by C.C. Henderson for his wife, the post office was established July 11, 1883. On November 22, 1883, it was renamed Dresden. The name was changed to Berwyn on September 1, 1887. Finally, on November 16, 1941, it was renamed Gene Autry to honor the singer and motion picture star, Gene Autry. Born in Texas, Autry's family had moved to Oklahoma while he was an infant. He was raised in the southern Oklahoma towns of Achille and Ravia. In 1939 he bought the 1,200 acre (4.9 km²) Flying A Ranch on the west edge of Berwyn and the town decided to honor him by changing its name. Approximately 35,000 people attended the ceremonies broadcast live from the site on Autry's Melody Ranch radio show.

Geography

Gene Autry is located at 34°16'55" North, 97°2'13" West (34.281858, -97.036927)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.7 km² (0.3 mi²). 0.7 km² (0.3 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 99 people, 46 households, and 25 families residing in the town. The population density is 141.6/km² (362.7/mi²). There are 55 housing units at an average density of 78.7/km² (201.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 78.79% White, 5.05% African American, 7.07% Native American, 1.01% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 5.05% from other races, and 3.03% from two or more races. 8.08% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 46 households out of which 23.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% are married couples living together, 6.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 43.5% are non-families. 37.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 19.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.15 and the average family size is 2.88.

In the town the population is spread out with 20.2% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 32.3% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 115.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 113.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $16,667, and the median income for a family is $20,833. Males have a median income of $31,000 versus $13,750 for females. The per capita income for the town is $8,295. 30.0% of the population and 27.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 39.3% of those under the age of 18 and 22.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Attractions

• Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum (http://www.cow-boy.com/museum.htm)
• Gene Autry Oklahoma Film & Music Festival (http://www.cow-boy.com/festival.htm)

External links

• GeneAutry.com - Official Website (http://www.geneautry.com)
• Gene Autry, Oklahoma (http://www.geneautry.com/html/clubhouse/places/geneautry_ok.html)
• Maps and aerial photos
  • Street map from Mapquest (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?latlongtype=decimal&latitude=34.281858&longitude=-97.036927&zoom=6)
  • Topographic map from Topozone (http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=34.281858&lon=-97.036927&s=200&size=m&layer=DRG100)
  • Aerial photograph from Microsoft Terraserver (http://terraserver.microsoft.com/map.aspx?t=1&s=14&lon=-97.036927&lat=34.281858&w=750&h=500)