Chickasha has a strong connection to its history, as is evidenced by its name. Founded by Rock Island Railroad executive Hobart Whitley in 1892, it was home to the Chickasha Cotton Oil Company which brought industrial labor opportunities to the people living there beginning in 1899.
Although Chickasha is not as populated as a major city, its residents are active in the community and create their own events which possess a unique charm. The annual Festival of Light hosted at Shannon Springs Park offers carriage rides, over 140 different vendors, and visits with Santa from around Thanksgiving time until the end of December. The event is exceedingly popular and has gained increasing recognition throughout the years, including being named a “Top Place to Visit” by the Fine Living Network in 2004 and being featured on Discover Oklahoma.
Chickasha has proudly preserved a schoolhouse in Grady county which is historically significant because it provided education to African Americans at a time when racial tensions were much higher than today. The Verden Separate School, as it was called, serves as a reminder of the historical inequality of education. However, modern educational institutions such as the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and the Canadian Valley Technology Center offer first-class opportunities for adults to pursue advanced degrees or learn a vocation.
Employment opportunities are plentiful here, and there are many different sectors in which to work. For those who value nature and working outdoors, the Parks and Recreation department often has openings for directors, management teams, and even has a marketing division for those who want to better connect the public with their parks. The Chickasha Sports Complex also offers unique job opportunities for those wanting to do landscaping, concessions, or participate in the overall operations of the establishment.
Located only 40 miles from the prosperous Oklahoma City, Chickasha offers a smaller, more family-oriented community in which to live. Over half of the households in the city are occupied by families, and the population growth has remained relatively stagnant for the past few years. However, with its proximity to major cities and presence of job opportunities, as can be evidenced by the median income for families in the area, which is around $45,000, Chickasha is the perfect, calm city to settle down in.