May 9 …

The town of Tatums in Oklahoma is a small, but historically significant community whose origins as an All-Black town place it within a unique and influential chapter of American history centered on African American self-determination and community building.

Tatums, OK was founded in 1895 in Indian Territory by Lee Tatum and his wife Mary, who established the settlement after applying for a post office that same year. The town was incorporated on May 9, 1896, originally situated in Pickens County of the Chickasaw Nation before Oklahoma gained statehood in 1907.

Lee Tatum became the first postmaster, operated a grocery store, and served as a U.S. marshal, making him a pivotal figure in the town’s early governance. Unlike many railroad towns, Tatums grew independently of major rail lines, thriving instead through local initiative and word-of-mouth migration. Its early developments included a hotel, blacksmith shop, cotton gin, sawmill, and subsequently a motor garage, which together illustrated a gradually expanding rural economy.

Tatums holds a significant place in history as one of over 50 historically All-Black towns established in Oklahoma between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These towns were founded by African Americans seeking autonomy, land ownership, and refuge from racial oppression in the South. Tatums fostered a rich internal culture, centered around institutions such as churches, schools, and local businesses. The Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, completed in 1919, was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Education was a primary focus, exemplified by a Rosenwald-funded brick school built between 1925 and 1926, which symbolized national efforts to enhance Black education in rural areas.

In 1927, Tatums briefly gained recognition in American cultural history when the silent film “Black Gold” was produced there, involving local residents and spotlighting the town’s connection to early Black filmmaking. The discovery of oil in the 1920s brought a wave of temporary prosperity, enriching several landowners and bolstering the local economy.

Demographically, Tatums has remained small yet culturally significant, with a population of 111 residents as of 2020, predominantly identifying as African American, in line with the town’s historical roots. Although earlier decades saw larger populations, like many rural communities, Tatums experienced a decline during the Great Depression and throughout the 20h century as residents moved to larger cities during the Great Migration and beyond. Nevertheless, many former residents and their descendants have maintained connections to the town, with some returning later in life.

While Tatums has not produced widely recognized national figures, individuals like Henry Taylor, known for hosting travelers, alongside local leaders and educators, have played vital roles in sustaining the town’s social fabric. Though Tatums has not achieved major national accolades, its legacy is preserved through historic recognition and cultural continuity.

The Bethel Missionary Baptist Church’s designation on the National Register of Historic Places serves as formal acknowledgment of its historical significance. Tatums itself is recognized as one of the few surviving All-Black towns in Oklahoma. Today, events such as annual Black History celebrations continue to honor its heritage, cementing its place in American cultural memory.

The enduring significance of the town of Tatums in Oklahoma lies in its representation of a broader movement where African Americans built independent communities, contributing to the nation’s social, cultural, and historical development through resilience, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to self-governance.