History of El Reno, Oklahoma in Timeline

El Reno, the county seat of Canadian County, Oklahoma, has a population of 16,989 as of the 2020 census. Established after the 1889 land rush, the city was named after Fort Reno. Located approximately 25 miles west of Oklahoma City, El Reno is situated in Central Oklahoma.

1901: Land Lottery Drawings

El Reno was chosen to host the land district office for the 1901 land lottery drawings. This event highlights the town's significant role in the opening of new lands for settlement during this period.

1932: Establishment of the United States Southwestern Reformatory

In 1932, the United States Southwestern Reformatory, a facility for housing male adult federal prisoners, was built approximately 2 miles west of El Reno.

1947: End of Previous Streetcar Service

The launch of the Heritage Express Trolley in 2001 marked the return of streetcar service to El Reno after an absence since 1947.

1948: Fort Reno Transferred to USDA

The US Army transferred Fort Reno to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1948. The fort was repurposed as a research laboratory, shifting its focus to agriculture and environmental sustainability.

1954: Human Desire Filming

Scenes for the 1954 film noir "Human Desire" were filmed in the El Reno rail yards, showcasing the city's industrial landscape.

1979: Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Bankruptcy

The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad (CRI&P), a significant employer in El Reno, filed for bankruptcy in 1979 due to industry-wide changes, impacting the city's economy.

1980: CRI&P Depot and Railyards Abandonment

Following its bankruptcy, the CRI&P abandoned its depot and railyards in El Reno in 1980, leaving a lasting impact on the city's landscape and economy.

1988: First Annual Fried Onion Burger Day Festival

El Reno held its first annual Fried Onion Burger Day Festival in 1988, celebrating the city's culinary heritage and fostering community spirit.

1988: El Reno Main Street Program

El Reno initiated its Main Street program in 1988, joining a national network focused on downtown revitalization through public-private partnerships and historic preservation.

2001: Heritage Express Trolley Launch

El Reno reintroduced streetcar service in its downtown area with the Heritage Express Trolley in 2001, marking a significant step in urban revitalization and transportation.

2006: Great American Main Street Award

El Reno's Main Street program received national recognition in 2006, winning the annual Great American Main Street Award for its successful revitalization efforts in the Rock District.

2010: 2010 Census

As per the 2010 census, El Reno had a population of 16,729, which served as the baseline for measuring population change in the following decade.

2010: 2010 Census Demographics

The 2010 census revealed the demographic makeup of El Reno, providing insights into the racial and ethnic composition of the city's population.

May 24, 2011: EF5 Tornado

A devastating EF5 tornado struck portions of northwestern El Reno on May 24, 2011, resulting in 9 fatalities, 181 injuries, and widespread destruction. The tornado, with winds reaching up to 295 mph, had a profound impact on the community.

May 31, 2013: Record-Breaking Multiple-Vortex Tornado

On May 31, 2013, a massive multiple-vortex tornado, with a record width of 2.6 miles, struck near El Reno. This event resulted in injuries to storm chasers and tragically claimed the lives of four individuals, including renowned storm chaser Tim Samaras and his team.

June 15, 2015: Sid's Diner Featured on Food Network

Sid's Diner and its famous fried-onion burger were featured on the Food Network series "Top 5 Restaurants" on June 15, 2015, bringing national attention to El Reno's culinary scene.

2015: Presidential Visit to FCI El Reno

President Barack Obama visited the Federal Correctional Institution, El Reno, marking the first visit of a sitting president to a federal prison.

2016: Annual Accreditation for Main Street Program

El Reno has maintained a high standard in its Main Street program, achieving annual accreditation since 2016, demonstrating its commitment to downtown revitalization and historic preservation.

May 25, 2019: EF3 Tornado

An EF3 tornado hit southern parts of El Reno on May 25, 2019, causing significant damage to businesses, a motel, and a mobile home park. This event resulted in two fatalities and 19 injuries, highlighting the destructive power of tornadoes.