History of Ada, Oklahoma in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 20, 2025

Ada, Oklahoma, the county seat of Pontotoc County, had a population of 16,481 in 2020. Founded and incorporated in 1901, the city is named after Ada Reed, daughter of a settler. It is the capital of the Chickasaw Nation and home to East Central University. Ada holds distinctions as an Oklahoma Main Street City, an Oklahoma Certified City, and a Tree City USA member.

1901: Ada Incorporates as a City

Ada incorporated as a city in 1901 and experienced rapid growth following the arrival of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway line. The Santa Fe Railroad and the Oklahoma Central Railway also served the town within a decade.

1901: Incorporation of Ada

In 1901, Ada was officially incorporated as a city.

March 30, 1904: Dynamite attack on Black restaurant

On March 30, 1904, an unnamed party blew up a Black restaurant with dynamite, seriously injuring one occupant. This event led to condemnation from citizens and a reward offered for the arrest of the responsible parties.

April 19, 1909: Lynching of Four Men

On April 19, 1909, a mob in Ada hanged four men, including American outlaw Deacon Jim Miller, who was accused of murdering a former U.S. marshal.

1909: Establishment of East Central University

East Central University (ECU) was established in 1909 and is a public four-year institution located in Ada.

1909: Founding of East Central College

In 1909, women in Ada organized an effort to establish a normal school, resulting in the founding of East Central College, which is now known as East Central University.

1910: Portland Cement Company Installation

In 1910, the Portland Cement Company installed the first cement clinker in Oklahoma.

1916: American Glass Casket Company Founded

In 1916, the American Glass Casket Company began manufacturing glass caskets, though the business eventually failed.

1928: Hazel Atlas Glass Buys Plant

In 1928, Hazel Atlas Glass acquired the glass casket plant and produced glass products.

1966: Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center Opened

In 1966, the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center, a water research lab staffed by the Environmental Protection Agency, opened in Ada.

1975: Chickasaw Nation Headquarters Opened

In 1975, the Chickasaw Nation established its headquarters in Ada.

1984: Murder of Denice Haraway

In 1984, Denice Haraway was murdered, which led to the later convictions of Tommy Ward and Karl Fontenot.

1987: Publication of The Dreams of Ada

In 1987, journalist Robert Mayer released "The Dreams of Ada", a book exploring flaws and miscarriages of justice in the convictions of Tommy Ward and Karl Fontenot for the 1984 rape and murder of Denice Haraway.

The Dreams of Ada

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1991: End of Glass Production

In 1991, Hazel Atlas Glass ceased production of glass products at its Ada plant.

2006: Publication of The Innocent Man

In 2006, John Grisham published "The Innocent Man", bringing Ada into the national spotlight by relating the story of Ron Williamson and Dennis Fritz, who were wrongly convicted of the murder of Debra Sue Carter. DNA evidence later proved their innocence.

The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town

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2006: Age Breakdown in Ada

In 2006, the age breakdown in Ada was as follows: 22.3% under 18, 17.5% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 18.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% aged 65 or older. The median age was 33 years.

2006: Ada Racial Makeup

In 2006, the racial makeup of Ada was 73.81% White, 3.54% African American, 15.10% Native American, 0.83% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.89% from other races, and 5.81% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos made up 2.89% of the population.

2010: Ada Census Data

As of the 2010 census, Ada had 16,810 residents, comprising 6,697 households and 3,803 families.

2011: Chickasaw Nation Revenues

In 2011, the Chickasaw Nation's revenues exceeded $12 billion, with the majority being funneled through Ada.

2018: Netflix Series "The Innocent Man" Release

In 2018, "The Innocent Man", John Grisham's book, was adapted into a Netflix series that combined and extended the cases from his book and Robert Mayer's book.

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