History of Edmond

Edmond is located 13 miles north of downtown Oklahoma City in the center of the state. Major interstate highways I-35 and I-44 serve Edmond and Interstate 40 is located 14 miles to the south. U.S. highway 77 also serves the community. The population of Edmond is approximately 69,000. Government Edmond is a chartered Manager-Council form of government. The mayor is elected at-large. Council members are elected from four Wards.
In the early 1880s, the Edmond area was undisturbed prairie with grazing herds of bison, black bears roaming the wooded creeks, and occasional bands of Indians hunting parties.
In 1887, after receiving a grant from Congress, the Santa Fe Railroad completed a north-south line between Arkansas City, Kansas and Gainesville, Texas. At mile 103 on this line, a coaling and watering station was built because of the availability of a “good” water spring. The station was initially called “Summit” as the highest point of the railroad grade between Cimarron and North Canadian Rivers; but prior to July 14, 1887, the official name of Edmond was filed by Santa Fe with the government.
The town of Edmond sprang up overnight during the great Oklahoma land run on April 22, 1889, when homesteads were staked around the Santa Fe station. The original plat for Edmond was prepared by the Seminole Town and Development Company, a newly formed syndicate with ties to the railroad. Many of the original streets were named for men associated with either the Santa Fe Railroad or the town syndicate. The first mayor and city officers were elected in May 1889, and Edmond’s population was 394 in the 1890 census.
On December 24, 1890, the Oklahoma territorial Governor signed a bill establishing Edmond as the site of a Normal School, which would provide two years of higher education for teachers. The first class was held in a church until the Normal School building was ready for occupancy in January of 1893.
The agriculture and trading center economy revolved around the railroad. During the early 1900s, trains stopped at Edmond bringing hardware, machines and farm implements and carrying away wheat, flour, cotton, corn, and cattle. In 1919, the Central Normal School was raised to the rank of a four-year teacher’s college; and in 1939, Central State College was authorized to grant degrees in other disciplines. Today, the University of Central Oklahoma remains a dynamic and integral part of our community.
Today Edmond is a fast-growing and prosperous city of more than 69,000 people. Edmond was selected the most outstanding community in its class for five years in a row by the State Chamber of Commerce and State Industrial Development Department.
Edmond stands astride the mainline of the Santa Fe Railroad and at the crossroads of I-35 and I-44, giving it a unique access to the major transportation arteries of the nation.
Very few, if any, cities can match the overall quality of life found in Edmond, Oklahoma. Comprising 94 square miles and located next to Oklahoma City, Edmond enjoys the friendliness of a small community, but is able to take advantage of the big city conveniences.
Why is Edmond known as the “prestige address” for living and working? The answer is easy. Edmond has beautifully landscaped home sites and neighborhoods, excellent schools, and the finest recreational facilities and access to many area attractions. It is hard to believe one city can have so many positive factors, yet Edmond does.