Coal County: History, Landscapes and Mustang Watching

Coal County brings together local history, landscapes, and activities for nature and culture enthusiasts. Historical highlights include buildings in Coalgate, Lehigh, and Clarita, as well as collections on the history of mining. Other attractions include the Amish School Auction, Crafts & Antique Show, a Mustang-watching tour at Mowdy Ranch, and opportunities to fish at Coalgate Lake. When planning your trip, bear in mind that you need to book an appointment at the ranch and check the event’s specific date in September.

Landscape and Getting Around

The eastern part of Coal County is forested, and the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains begin there. The Muddy Boggy drains the county.

A bridge carries State Highway 31 over Keel Creek in eastern Coal County. It is located seven miles northeast of the county seat, Coalgate. Fishing is possible at Coalgate Lake, which also has a boat ramp. The lake therefore offers two different ways to enjoy a trip to the water.

Buildings and Local History

In Coalgate, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) built the Coalgate High School gymnasium in 1939. The Merchants National Bank Building in Lehigh offers another perspective on the area’s architectural history: this two-story red-brick building was completed in 1907. The Lehigh Historical Society later restored it and converted it into a museum and meeting place. The two towns thus showcase different buildings and stories of their construction.

The Coal County Historical & Mining Museum also focuses on local history. Its collections include mining instruments and tools, models, historical photographs, and regional artifacts. Items on display include the medical bag of pioneer Dr. Clark. The collection brings together objects from the mining industry with personal and photographic traces of the past.

The Benjamin Franklin Smallwood House is the last surviving building associated with Benjamin Franklin Smallwood and the oldest surviving residence in Coal County. In Clarita, the Church of Christ building is among the oldest surviving structures. These examples highlight different aspects of the area: a notable residence in the county and an early building in Clarita.

Clarita and the Amish School Auction

The Clarita Amish community was established in 1978, when a conservative group of Amish from Ohio and Indiana settled in Coal County. The community’s history is part of the county’s more recent development and adds another local point of interest alongside its architectural and mining history.

The Amish School Auction, Crafts & Antique Show takes place every year on the second Saturday in September in Clarita. Items sold at auction include hand-sewn quilts, antiques, glassware, and handmade furniture. Food on offer includes breakfast, sandwiches, homemade noodles, pies, cakes, and bread. Check the specific event date before your trip so you can plan accordingly.

Mustang Watching at Mowdy Ranch

Mowdy Ranch is a Bureau of Land Management public off-range pasture for wild Mustangs. A two-hour open-air UTV tour takes visitors to observe the animals; reservations are required in advance. The tour’s duration gives you a clear time frame if you want to include this activity in your travel plans.

The ranch is open year-round by appointment only; walk-ins without an appointment are not possible. Arrange your visit before you arrive and reserve the tour in advance. This ensures you account for both the special visiting requirements and the time needed for Mustang watching when planning your trip.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Coalgate, Kiowa County, Mcclain County, Atoka County, Muskogee, Johnston County, Murray County, Beckham County.

For the main travel overview: Oklahoma.