{"id":1375,"date":"2026-06-29T20:42:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T20:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globaloutsourcecenters.com\/black-towns-project\/?p=1375"},"modified":"2026-07-16T18:15:52","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T18:15:52","slug":"the-town-of-vernon-oklahoma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globaloutsourcecenters.com\/black-towns-project\/the-town-of-vernon-oklahoma\/","title":{"rendered":"The Town Of Vernon, Oklahoma"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The Town Of Vernon - Oklahoma<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Built by \u201cMen of Means\u201d \u2013 Vernon\u2019s Lasting Legacy<\/strong><\/h2>

\"\"Vernon has a lasting legacy among Oklahoma\u2019s surviving incorporated fourteen historic All-Black towns. Vernon once the 2nd largest with 2300 people in its heyday (1923\u20131933), although its area doubled in November 2025 from 80 acres to 160 acres it\u2019s now the smallest with fewer than 27 people, but its story represents the determination, vision, and community spirit that helped shape African American history in the early twentieth century.<\/p>

Location and Historical Context<\/strong><\/h3>

Located in McIntosh County, 4 miles south of Hwy 9 between Dustin & Eufaula, Vernon was established in 1911 during a period when Black families across Oklahoma were building independent communities centered on education, faith, agriculture, and economic opportunity. What separates the towns formed by the great migration from Oklahoma Freedman towns, is that those who came and formed these towns were not people struggling trying to make it, they were well accomplished people of substantial financial standing and means who simply needed opportunity free from harassment.<\/p>

The Roll Back Period and Migration to Oklahoma<\/strong><\/h3>

The establishment of Vernon came during a remarkable chapter in Oklahoma\u2019s history. Following the Civil War and during the years that would come to be know as the \u201cRoll Back Period\u201d. African Americans created more than sixty All-Black towns\u2014more than any other state in the nation. African Americans in the Southern states were suffering extreme social and economic difficulties and atrocities as a result of the rollback after reconstruction 1878\u20131895. Newspaper articles and pamphlets recruited and encouraged blacks to come to Indian Territory during the land runs from 1889 to 1891. They were told large acreage of cheap, unsettled land were available in Indian Territory. Pamphlets were distributed throughout the south urging blacks to join the land run. These pamphlets indicated this was \u201cThe Promise Land\u201d. They were told they could vote, study and move about with relative freedom. The papers urged blacks to establish black towns with businesses, schools, and churches.<\/p>

Founding by Edward P. McCabe and Early Settlement<\/strong><\/h3>

Vernon was founded by Edward P. McCabe who also founded Langston & Boley. He secured 40 acres of land for the original town site from the Muscogee Nation in 1895, in what was then Indian Territory. Vernon began as an unnamed out post and rural farming settlement in Muscogee Creek Nation territory along the scheduled Ft. Smith & Western Railroad line on the cattle trail from Texas to Kansas City, with a Hotel and a couple houses. Ft. Smith & Western was laying tracks in the area and built their office there, and also operated the crossing barge on the South Canadian river a couple miles south.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/h3>

Early Structures and Railroad History<\/strong><\/h3>

Built in 1898 The Railroad office became The Baccus Family home in 1917. After the tracks were complete the Rail Road no longer had need of the office and contracted Thomas M. Haynes to dispose of it. After the Boldens purchased it Mr. Bolden would die suddenly in 1916, W.M. Baccus Sr. moved there in 1917 later purchasing it when it went up for auction in 1920. It is still owned by the Baccus Family today and was placed on the National Register of Historic places in 2025. It is the only surviving structure from that time, and is one of two historic buildings in town. The other is what\u2019s left of the Dozier 2 story commercial building built in 1915, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.<\/p>

Town Development and Key Organizers<\/strong><\/h3>

The task was given to developer & land agent Thomas M. Haynes to simultaneously lay out the towns. Thomas Haynes was McCabe\u2019s man on the ground and helped organize and layout the 40 acres for the original Town site around 1902 and played a large part in organizing the communities of Vernon, Clearview & Boley. The Railroad began running in 1903, Sim Bow (S.B.) Dozier Sr. and his family arrived in 1905 and he immediately built the Saw Mill, in 1906 he built the Grist Mill, and 1907 he built the steam powered Cotton Gin producing 20 bales per day. After statehood in 1907 the settlement began to grow from this migration.<\/p>

Naming the Town<\/strong><\/h3>

In 1909 it was decided to name the settlement \u201cVERNON\u201d to honor Registrar of the United States Treasury, William Tecumseh Vernon appointed in 1906. Also a Rev. of the Missouri African Methodist Episcopal Church, It was yet another example of what African Americans had achieved post-civil war. A respected leader of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a scholar who was nationally recognized for his work in education, civil rights, and community development, and he published two Books: \u201cThe up building of a race or the rise of a great people\u201d and \u201cWhat the negro expects of a world-wide democracy\u201d. Naming the town after such an accomplished man was indeed the highest honor the town could pay to such a highly visible inspiration, who in by the age of 26 had accomplished more than most men even by today\u2019s standards do in a lifetime. But he wasn\u2019t finished, in 1920 he would be appointed Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.). African American Churches across the State and the Country would also honored him by naming their churches \u201cVernon\u201d. William Tecumseh Vernon reflected the founders\u2019 desire to build a community rooted in faith, leadership, and progress.<\/p>

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Vernon Map and details<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Official Platting and Land Development<\/strong><\/h3>

In 1910 the town was plotted by J.B. Strong and in June 1911 it was formerly established in what was at that time Hughes County. The Hooten Boarding House aka Butler\u2019s Vernon Hotel was all but closed by then. Thomas & his wife Julia formed The Boley Vernon Land Company to purchase and sell lots and acreage to new comers with an initial capital stock of $15,000, the company promoted land ownership, agricultural development, and economic opportunity for Black farmers and entrepreneurs. Its stated mission was simple yet ambitious: to create prosperous communities where families could earn a living, improve their homes, and build wealth for future generations. The Thomas M. Haynes Boley-Vernon Land company added the western addition (an additional 40 acres) around 1913. They ran newspaper ad\u2019s recruiting blacks from all over the south.<\/p>

Economic Growth (1905\u20131916)<\/strong><\/h3>

Between 1905 & 1912 the Saw Mill, Grist Mill, and Steam Cotton Gin, facilitated the growth and building of homes and business in the new town. In 1912 the town received a post office, C. Ella (Woods) Kemp was the first postmaster, and she also ran a dry goods store & millinery shop, Edward Woodard, served as the town\u2019s first president, although the office itself existed only briefly, Woodard helped guide the young settlement through its earliest years. Like many of Oklahoma\u2019s Black towns, Vernon depended heavily on local experienced leadership to establish schools, churches, and businesses that would allow the community to thrive.<\/p>

Prominent Citizens and Businesses in 1915\u20131916<\/strong><\/h3>

In 1915 William H. (Will) Fields, known to be a man of substantial means purchased 160 acres, and had a net worth of $10,000. In 1915 S. B. Dozier completed the 2 story Dozier Rock Building as a General Merchandise store operated by his son George Willie (G.W.) or (Willie George per his grave marker) Dozier & his son, it was stocked with $1000 in inventory, significant in 1916. He and his two sons Fred & G. W. owned over 100 of the available lots in Vernon. He was constructing his new home at the time of his untimely death in 1925. By 1915 the population was 150 people, Forty-six(46) families moved to Vernon between December 1915 and January 1916 alone, by April 1916 the population exceeded 300. Vernon had a cotton gin, sawmill, gristmill, post office, land office, and a rail road depot that transported people and goods in and out. The Railroad depot agent was Mrs. Leathers. There was a telephone company, Miss Ada Hodnox was the operator, and at least 12 businesses including the Butler Hotel, the Farmers Meat & Grocery Co. owned by W. T. Landry and W.S. Holloway, stocked with $1200 in inventory. Another grocery store in town was R.W. Whitaker Grocery Co. with $1000 in inventory. Business men like John W. Grant who owned the telephone company thrived. Mr. A. Franklin ran a first class Bakery and owned 640 acres throughout Okla. C.E. Cooper M.D., Meharryite class of 1912 was the town doctor. Dr. P.W. Nickerson was the town Veterinary surgeon. Mr. R.H. Lesley and his daughter Lela ran the Peoples Caf\u00e9 offering the finest meals found anywhere. Mr. J.H. Reager was the only shoe maker in town and his shoes were 2nd to none. Mrs. Louise Wesley encouraged by Luther T. Woodard brother of Edward Woodard established the first school and taught school in her home. She also taught church under a shade tree assisted by Mr. Hutton (Mrs. Rebella Hutton-Baccus\u2019s dad) and in 1912 Rev.& Mrs. James Wendell formed the New Hope Baptist Church. In 1917 the New Hope Baptist Church building was built.<\/p>

Heyday Boom (1917\u20131933)<\/strong><\/h3>

Will Fields & Edward Woodard took the train to Ft. Smith to purchase lumber after the Hanna Lumber yard refused to sell them the Whitewood Lumber they wanted. Rev. Joe Felix was the first Pastor. Mr. R.J. Spencer was the town contractor and builder. Mr. H.C. King had the smallest store with $500 in inventory. Mr. H.C. Wesley was an upcoming lawyer, Mr. W. M. Vance and Mr. Diamond ran the two black smith shops in town, there was the A.F. & A.M. Lodge, and Mr. Dan H. (D.H.) Busby was the town reporter, with his weekly reporting to the area newspapers many historical events either be unverifiable or lost altogether. Thank your Mr. Dan H. Busby for having the wisdom to record events of daily life in Vernon. Everything that a person needed could be found in Vernon. Sedulously between 1917-1920 Vernon experienced a population explosion and by 1923 it was the bustling home to over 2300 industrious people adding during its heyday 5 churches New Hope Baptist, A.M.E., A.M.E. Zion, Methodist Episcopal, and the Church of God in Christ. (In later years Snow\u2019s Chapel and Huffman Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ, The Evening Light Saints, Community Mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, Foot Washing Church, Cato Chapel & Mount Vernon Baptist Church), there was a shoe store, a sorghum mill, a vegetable cannery, a chicken factory, a live fish market, hardware store, barbershop, beauty salon, drug store, and several clothing stores. Dr. R.B. White was the town pharmacist. The Grant Bros. ran a meat co. In 1920 when the Rosenwald fund came to Oklahoma Mr. Robert Butts secured a grant for Vernon combined with community donations, Vernon was one of the first black towns to get a frame school bldg.,(see actual photo) Mr. Mitchell was the teacher, in 1926 a second grant was obtained from the Rosenwald Fund to add on to the first building. In 1930 the county provided additional funding to build a second bldg, and a teacherage, again combined with private donations. It provided K-8 up until 1941 when High School classes were added with the first high school class graduated in 1945, before it was demolished in 1949 to build the current brick school building completed in 1950.<\/p>

Leadership and Political Influence<\/strong><\/h3>

The town fathers had little choice but to continue striving to keep providing educational opportunities for African American children they were deprived of throughout the segregated South. In 1925 after the sudden death of community leader S.B. Dozier, Mr. W.M. Baccus became the first Sheriff of Vernon. Sheriff Baccus was a prominent community leader, administrator, County Commissioner, and politician and in 1940 & 1947 he was elected chairman of the District Democratic Committee. In 1948 he lead the contingent of Vernon Businessmen who drafted, wrote, and successfully lobbied the board of County Commissioners to place it on the county wide ballot, that measure unanimously passed and provided $300,000 dollars ($8.3 Million today) to build the new school building in Vernon and make repairs to the School buildings in the other black communities throughout McIntosh county. Also in 1948 he was so prominent on the political scene that he was again elected Chairman of the District 7 Democratic Committee and was sent to the National Convention. Of the most influential men in town none was more colorful and prominent than Mr. Robert Butts a cattle rancher, financier and politician along with his wife Ruth Butts who had a large poultry and egg business and was a graduate of Tuskegee Institute. Mr. Butts is credited with securing the vote for all Vernon citizens by getting the white register intoxicated. By the time he became sober Mr. Butts had registered all of the black citizens. The political influence of Mr. Robert Butts was felt throughout McIntosh County and the State of Oklahoma. Both Mr. Butts and Mr. Baccus were Influential in the Democratic Party, while Mr. Grant was influential in the Republican Party.<\/p>

The Vernon Community<\/strong><\/h3>

In addition to settling Vernon these industrious men also settled the surrounding areas of Rock Hill, Trenton Creek, Mount Vernon, East Hanna and the Bottom, together these interconnected farming settlements comprised the \u201cVernon Community\u201d which extended west to the now Hughes county line, south to the South Canadian river, east to the second section line across the turnpike bridge, with a wagon trail that went from Vernon across the mountains all the way to Red Hill. There was the NAACP, The Eastern Star, and The Business League, The Melting Pot Grocery Company and in 1932 Luther T. Woodard and a group of Vernon men started the last major venture of the Vernon heyday, the Midwest Chicken Hatchery Company but it was short lived, as by then, the decline in cotton prices, Mexican Boll Weevil, the Army Worn and The Great Depression brought an end to the Vernon heyday. (1923 – 1933)<\/p>

Decline and Post-Heyday Businesses<\/strong><\/h3>

Then in 1939 the town\u2019s fate was sealed when the railroad ceased operations for ever. After the failure of the chicken business Mr. Luther T. Woodard opened a grocery store that he ran for the next 25 years until his death. As quickly as it began it was over. It was the end of an era and Vernon has yet to recover. After his older brother George W., moved to California following their mother\u2019s death in 1934. Crawford & Tennie Dozier took over operation of the Dozier Bldg. and ran – Dozier Dry Goods & Grocery store, Crawford\u2019s shoe store & The Rock Front Club from 1935 – 1945. In the 1940\u2019s, Benjamin Huffman Sr. & Theodore Cato – were Blacksmiths, Sam Arterberry, Henry Carwell, Sherman Grisby, Charlie Bohannan, Alex Wright, Ophyler Slaughter all had Sorghum Mills and made Sorghum & molasses from sugar cane for their own use and sold to the public. There was the Bailey Hotel, Charles Cooke had a Sawmill & Gristmill, and Mr. Sharp – a Gristmill, and there was Walker Produce, Loutitia Snow (L.S.) Hooten\u2019s Millinery Shop, and McDonald hardware Store, H.S. & Lillian Hill Caf\u00e9, Sam & Joanna Grant Caf\u00e9, Augustus Bowie – The Dew Drop Inn, Geo. Zelios Liberty Caf\u00e9, in the Bailey Hotel Bldg. Sheriff Albert Owens, then Sheriff Johnson served in between Sheriff Baccus 1st term and his 2nd term. There was Dr. Smith and mid-wives Clara Tobler, Mother Washington. & Mary Huffman. Charlie Bohannan was also a well finder (wisher), using the branch of a willow tree. By 1950 electricity came to the top of the hill. In the 50\u2019 & 60\u2019s only about 50 families remained. During this time there were a few businesses that were short lived in Vernon, as one would close another would open. There was Elvin Floyd\u2019s – Hamburger Caf\u00e9, Tom Cat Smith Caf\u00e9, H.C. & Maggie Butler Caf\u00e9, Starlight Caf\u00e9, Samuel Butler\u2019s – Restaurant with jukebox and dance floor, the Blind lady Mrs. McDonald\u2019s Store, Ezekiel Fields Sr. & Cleveland Lang Sr., were Barbers. Suzie Lang \u2013 provided the 1st public payphone, and the 1st television, she would place it on her porch so the town kids could watch it, which she continued well into the 1960s.<\/p>

Later 20th Century Life<\/strong><\/h3>

Mrs. Christina Woodard Luther T. Woodard\u2019s 2nd wife, ran Woodard\u2019s store until her death. Mrs. Plymouth Edwards-Arterberry taught Piano, Mr. Forace Arterberry Sr. – ran a cafe that was open on weekends, and there was Mrs. Holloway\u2019s store, and The Rock Front Club & Dance Hall. After he retired from public life Sheriff Baccus had a Black Smith shop where Ezekiel Fields worked. By the 1960\u2019s the only medical services in town were mid wives Mother Washington, Lucille Lang, Laura Johnson, Hattie Cato. After the close of Mr. Grants phone company only party lines were available until the mid-1970\u2019s. In the late Sixties and early 70\u2019s. Cornell \u201cCooter\u201d Fields Sr. ran a bar, Beatrice Samilton also ran a Bar, Colonel Hill – was a Barber, Mrs. Inez and Ezekiel Fields ran Vernon\u2019s only gas station (DX) and soda shop, and occasionally sold BBQ, although they rarely had gas. When they closed George Dozier Sr. opened Mr. G\u2019s Bar in the early 1972 then a couple years later he opened Mr. G\u2019s Grocery in the Dozier bldg., that housed the U.S. Post Office. These were the last businesses to operate in Vernon.<\/p>

Civic Organizations and Reunions<\/strong><\/h3>

There were Five (5) remaining civic organizations; The Better Homes and Gardens Club, the Vernon Reunion Committee, Trustees of the Community Center, the Vernon Cemetery Committee, and the Citizens League. The Grocery store closed in the mid 1980\u2019s, then the Post office closed in 1994, post masters in order were Ella Woods (Kemp), Plymouth Arterberry McKinney, Margret Dozier\u2013Edwards, Christina Woodard, Tennie Baccus Dozier Walker, and Joyce Dozier, the final postmaster was a man sent from out of town and only worked for a couple months before he refused to come back and the post office was closed. In 1977 the Better Homes & Garden Club started the Vernon Reunion and formed the Vernon Reunion Committee. Founding member Mrs. Pauline Adams Perry recalls \u201cRayford Patterson, Nathaniel Woodard, Cleo M. Baccus Sr., C.V. Adams, Lorene Dozier and I started it on Memorial Weekend, we all brought food and drinks\u201d. The Better Homes and Garden Club continued to provide civic activities, dinners, fund raisers and provided a dinner location for the churches that didn\u2019t have a kitchen. In 1978 the Vernon Charitable Foundation Inc. was formed. The organization based in Oklahoma City appointed Clarence L. Baccus Sr. its local Agent. By 1986 the reunion was getting so big that the committee asked the foundation for help, By 1988 the foundation took over and eventually the Better Homes and Garden Club shut down and merged operations with the Vernon Charitable Foundation Inc. Together they turned the Vernon Reunion into the Memorial Day Home Coming Celebration combining the two celebrations which still continues today.<\/p>

Modern Revival and Incorporation<\/strong><\/h3>

In 1996 the Dozier Building closed permanently. Thanks to the efforts of Herman Huffman on the Hanna School Board, Vernon was able to re-acquire the Vernon School building for $5000. At last Vernon was in charge of its own building. At the time Vernon had no government and since the building could only be sold to a nonprofit community based organization, it was sold to the Vernon Charitable Foundation Inc. to be the caretaker of the towns building, with the understanding that if Vernon ever incorporated it would be handed over to the town. A few years later through the efforts of Nathanial Woodard, James E. Woodard, Cleo Baccus Sr., Trim Fulbright Sr, and Ignacio Carrillo a $99,000 grant was obtained to replace the roof on the building, Vernon was on its way back. In 2005 after almost 100 years of being blocked Vernon was finally incorporated thanks to the efforts of the Vernon Charitable Foundation Inc., and Lonnie Louis Cato Sr., bringing renewed hope that Vernon would be revived. The Foundation appointed Lonnie Louis Cato Sr. as Mayor. Vernon was finally officially a town eligible for funding and sustainability. In 2009 Mr. G\u2019s Bar & BBQ closed its doors for good leaving the town silent.<\/p>

Recent Leadership and Infrastructure<\/strong><\/h3>

In 2010 the Foundation\u2019s Mayor Lonnie Louis Cato Sr. is appointed as the Minority representative of McIntosh County to the E.O.D.D. by the Board of County Commissioners and placed on the Exec. Board of the E.O.D.D, even though Mayor Cato never lived in Vernon or McIntosh County. In 2012 after 10 years of waiting, through his efforts in working with the new District 3 Commissioner Mike Burns, Vernon is finally able to get its new bridge. In October of 2013 Mayor Cato appointed his board of Trustees, Elizabeth Irene Burton, Elder A.C. Fields Sr., Eric Leo Armstrong III, & Davyre J. Duty. They quietly served for 8 years, even though most of the town is unaware they even existed, (mistaking believing them to be part of the Vernon Charitable Foundation), they were able to save the town. Vernon gets renewed hope. Mayor Cato and his board which sometimes included Eric DeWayne Coley Sr., continued making progress for the town for a time. Culminating in 2015 with Vernon receiving it first paved road. In a last ditch effort to get the road paved before funding had to be returned, they decide to pave the road from the Vernon side of the new bridge to just before the Duty house. They approve McIntosh County to be the contractor for $90,000. The county then sub-contracts the job out, at a total cost to Vernon of $109,000. But, by 2018 it is evident the county sub-contractor\u2019s road work was sub-standard, the road\u2019s sub base was inadequate and improperly done, it is too narrow and the asphalt pavement too thin. The constant barrage of oil field trucks destroyed the pavement with the county dealing the final blow to the pavement by hauling dirt from the Vernon quarry to Hanna.<\/p>

New Government and Name Change<\/strong><\/h3>

At last! a breath of fresh air. In 2019 Mayor Cato announces his retirement. The Towns people want change. Sheriff Baccus grandson Clarence L. Baccus Jr. organizes the towns first ever election and promises the town change, renewed hope and a vision for the future, and he delivers. As a symbol of this new direction the town\u2019s people vote to change the name of the town to \u201cThe City of Vernon\u201d symbolizing their commitment to being forward thinking instead of shackled by the past. Most importantly they vote to include what is left of the original boom town into \u201cThe City of Vernon\u201d establishing corporate limits for the first time to include all of the Vernon Community. They begin the process, hire a surveyor & engineer to plot and map the new limits. It will however be some time before that particular change can take place, but their vote symbolizes the town\u2019s commitment to its eventuality and accomplishment. They also re-named the \u201cVernon Community Center\u201d, the \u201cVernon City Hall and Community Center\u201d. Vernon has a bright future. The voters want a new overhauled and upgraded government. The voters call for a new form of government, creating a transition government and for the first time a fully functional government with departments and operations. Establishing the Vernon Revitalization Project, the Vernon Historical Society, the Duty Hill Vernon Cemetery Project, and the 25 year Revitalization Plan.<\/p>

Transitional Government (2019\u20132020)<\/strong><\/h3>

This new transitional government lasted from Sept 30th, 2019 to August 6th, 2020, when the first ever fully legally recognized government is elected. Camille Elizabeth Fields – is appointed Mayor, Stephanie Leann Martinez – Trustee, Terrelyn Carrillo – Secretary and Treasurer, Elizabeth Irene Burton – Trustee, and Kenny Joe Fields – Trustee. In September 2019 Clarence L. Baccus Jr. starts the town\u2019s first ever newspaper \u201cThe Vernon Press\u201d named by City Clerk – George Dozier Jr., all issues of the \u201cVernon Press\u201d are available for online reading at: https:\/\/gateway.okhistory.org\/explore\/titles\/t04361\/<\/a> and in November 2020 Mr. Baccus formed \u201cThe Vernon Chamber of Commerce.\u201d to assist the scaled down town government to carry on the implementation of the projects and measures begun by the transition government.<\/p>

Current Government and Revitalization<\/strong><\/h3>

Additional experienced professionals were required and in November 2023 the Vernon Chamber of Commerce is incorporated and secured its 501C3 tax exempt status, by Marvin Dozier, Christina Dozier & Flora Walker, with Clarence L. Baccus Jr. as its agent. Which brings us to the present. The current government just elected January 30th, 2024 has adopted all the measures passed by voters in the 2019 election, and initiated by the transition government. This new government set out immediately implementing the measures started by the transition government. Making them the official laws and policies of the town. In accordance with the 25 Year Revitalization Plan, the Vernon Revitalization Project is underway. Vernon has been awarded 1.3 Million for water way, drainage construction, re placement of 4 bridges. EODD provided $110,000 of funds for paving Alabama Ave to West Side St. \u201cVernon appears to be on its way\u201d says Mayor George Dozier Jr. Vernon is working with Canadian Valley CVEC to bring fiber optic reliable internet service to Vernon. The mayor and his new trustees Kenny J. Fields and Stephanie Martinez have hit the ground running and we look for many great things from them. This election has brought new life again to Vernon. Mayor Dozier says \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to working with the Chamber of Commerce Inc. and the Vernon Charitable Foundation Inc. to enhance life in Vernon for the entire community, that\u2019s the most wonderful and unique thing about Vernon, every body works together, civic, government and churches, all for the benefit of the community.\u201d<\/p>

Recent Annexation and Future Outlook<\/strong><\/h3>

On November 1st, 2025 a major milestone was reached as the Town of Vernon annexed north and expanded its boundary\u2019s for the first time since incorporating in 2005 adding another 80 acres to the town. Although this represents but a fraction of the boom town area its boundaries were never registered. See:(City of Vernon Corporate Limits map showing 80% of original area) This is but a first step in recovering the Glory that was Vernon. Our city seal symbolizes we are forward thinking, and eager to complete that task left unfinished by our forefathers by one day becoming that \u201cCity of Vernon\u201d, Mayor Dozier says \u201cbut even if we don\u2019t the quest will yield its own re wards\u201d.<\/p>

Community Traditions<\/strong><\/h3>

The Arterberry Family has been holding it\u2019s family get together since the 1960\u2019s, also on Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, at Mr. Forest & Mrs. Etoy Arterberry\u2019s home, with BBQ & Refreshments. Family & friends are invited to join them in giving thanks, there is no cover charge. As Vernon continued to grow, residents continue to work together to improve local facilities. Conditions and bring economic opportunities to the community. All 3 organizations work hand in hand to improve the community. The Chamber of Commerce Inc., Vernon Charitable Foundation Inc, Town Governing Board of Trustees and local Churches, each with a specific area of specialty it performs.<\/p>

Economic Foundations and Reasons for Decline<\/strong><\/h3>

Economic development was equally important to Vernon\u2019s founders. The Boley\u2013Vernon Development Company was organized to encourage investment and improve property throughout both communities. With an initial capital stock of $15,000, the company promoted land ownership, agricultural development, and economic opportunity for Black farmers and entrepreneurs. Its stated mission was simple yet ambitious: to create prosperous communities where families could earn a living, improve their homes, and build wealth for future generations. Families supported one another through churches, schools, and civic organizations while preserving a strong sense of independence and community pride. Like many small agricultural towns, Vernon experienced population declines during the Great Depression and later decades as residents moved to larger cities seeking employment. Even so, the town\u2019s historical significance has never diminished. Although Vernon was the 2nd largest of all the towns with a population of 2300 plus, second only to Boley whose population exceeded 4000. The reason for Vernon\u2019s rapid growth and rapid decline is one in the same. Unlike many of the other better known towns that had a diversified economy, banks and other stable community anchors. Vernon was strictly an agricultural hub. 90 percent of the residents were farm laborers, instead of farm owners thus, totally dependent on the farm economy working for both African American landowners and farmers as well as white landowners and farmers from the neighboring area. Although it had 2300 residents at its peak, it never had a bank. Thus when crops failed and the depression ensued it declined as rapidly as it grew. Residents had families to feed and they couldn\u2019t wait for times to get better. They had to go where the work was, and so they went.<\/p>

Legacy and Historical Significance<\/strong><\/h3>

Although currently small in size, Vernon represents something much larger than its population. It stands as a reminder of the vision shared by hundreds of African American families who believed that education, faith, hard work, and community cooperation could create opportunities despite the challenges of the era. More than a century after its founding, Vernon remains one of Oklahoma\u2019s enduring historic Black towns\u2014a quiet but powerful symbol of resilience, self-determination, and the enduring legacy of those who built communities from the ground up. Today, several landmarks continue to tell Vernon\u2019s story recognizing its importance to both local and state history. These preserved sites offer visitors a tangible connection to the perseverance and accomplishments of Vernon\u2019s early residents. As interest in Oklahoma\u2019s historic All-Black towns continues to grow, Vernon proudly takes it place alongside better-known communities such as Boley, Langston, and Rentiesville. Its story is one of ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things, leaving behind a legacy that continues to educate and inspire new generations of Oklahomans.<\/p>

Books & Papers Available<\/strong><\/h3>

Books & Papers Available, written and Published by Vernon Residents. The Great Joe Hutton \u2013 Clarence L. Baccus Jr. Book of Quotations \u2013 Clarence L. Baccus Jr. The History of Vernon: A Comp. History of Vernon\u2013Vernon Chamber of Commerce Inc. Vernon A Small Negro Town \u2013 James E. Woodard Sandy Bottoms & Muddy Jordan \u2013 Mother Naomi Lucille (Fields) Lang Growing up in Vernon \u2013 Galen Beatrice(Cato) Samilton Flight: Plight of a Black Man \u2013 Capt. James D. Hutton, CPA, MBA<\/p>

Contact the Vernon Chamber of Commerce Inc. for copies 918-657-2514 or thecityofvernon@gmail.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Boley was founded by T. M. Haynes on land owned by Abigal Barnett, a Creek \u201cFreedman.\u201d Lake Moore, <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1385,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_theme","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1375","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-historic-black-towns"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/globaloutsourcecenters.com\/black-towns-project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1375","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/globaloutsourcecenters.com\/black-towns-project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/globaloutsourcecenters.com\/black-towns-project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globaloutsourcecenters.com\/black-towns-project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globaloutsourcecenters.com\/black-towns-project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1375"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/globaloutsourcecenters.com\/black-towns-project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1375\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1666,"href":"https:\/\/globaloutsourcecenters.com\/black-towns-project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1375\/revisions\/1666"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globaloutsourcecenters.com\/black-towns-project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1385"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/globaloutsourcecenters.com\/black-towns-project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1375"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globaloutsourcecenters.com\/black-towns-project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1375"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globaloutsourcecenters.com\/black-towns-project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1375"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}