Lehigh

History

Lehigh began as the first mining camp in what is now Coal County, Oklahoma. At the time of its founding, Lehigh was located in Atoka County, Choctaw Nation. It was originally named Boone, but the name was changed to Lehigh.}} In addition to mining, ranching was an important contributor to the local economy. Stockyards were built in 1884 and, even as they neared completion, 23 railroad cars of cattle and seven carloads of hogs awaited shipping. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lehigh was a growing settlement that greatly profited from the coal mines surrounding it. During the 1910s and 1920s, the demand for coal lessened as railroads switched to oil-powered trains.}} The mines eventually closed, and in the early 1920s, boll weevils destroyed the cotton crops in the area. Many businesses closed, and people left the town. The Merchants National Bank Building in Lehigh is the only structure that remains from the once-prosperous downtown area.

Geography

Lehigh is located in southeastern Coal County. U.S. Route 75 passes through the city, leading north to Coalgate, the county seat, and southeast to Atoka. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which (2.47%) is covered by water.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• EMERSON ES
  Elementary · Coalgate · 374 students · 12.1:1 ratio
• COALGATE HS
  High · Coalgate · 217 students · 10.8:1 ratio
• COTTONWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL
  Elementary · Coalgate · 147 students · 10.5:1 ratio
• WALLACE BYRD MS
  Middle · Coalgate · 109 students · 12.1:1 ratio