History of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 7, 2026

Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, is the county seat of Garvin County with a population of 5,992 in 2020. The city was named after Smith Paul, who married a Chickasaw woman and became a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation prior to the Civil War. Its economy relies on agriculture and oil production.

1903: Pauls Valley Town Plat Approval

In 1903, the Pauls Valley town site plat, which was laid out in 1892, was finally approved by the Dawes Commission.

1905: Santa Fe Railroad Station Built

In 1905, the Santa Fe Railroad built a railroad station which is now shared property with the Pauls Valley station, one of only five Amtrak passenger stations still operating in Oklahoma.

1905: Santa Fe Building

In 1905, the Santa Fe building was built, the building later fell into disuse in 1979 after the Santa Fe Railway discontinued its Lone Star route.

1909: Streets Bricked

In 1909, the streets of Pauls Valley were bricked. Today, Pauls Valley has more brick streets than any other town in the United States.

1921: Pauls Valley Chamber of Commerce Established

In 1921, the Pauls Valley Chamber of Commerce was established, which is now a 180-member business association.

1948: Pauls Valley Raiders Established

In 1948, the Pauls Valley Raiders, a minor league baseball team, were established.

1952: Pauls Valley Raiders Affiliate

In 1952, The Pauls Valley Raiders became an affiliate of the New York Giants

1953: Pauls Valley Raiders Affiliate

In 1953, The Pauls Valley Raiders were still an affiliate of the New York Giants.

1954: Pauls Valley Raiders End

In 1954, the Pauls Valley Raiders minor league baseball team ended.

1979: Santa Fe Railway Discontinues Lone Star Route

In 1979, the Santa Fe Railway discontinued its Lone Star route, leading to the disuse of the 1905 building.

1985: Campaign to Save Old Depot

In 1985, the railroad obtained a permit to raze the old depot, leading Adrienne Grimmet to start a campaign to save the structure.

1991: Renovations Begin on Old Depot

In 1991, renovations began on the old depot after the city bought the depot and turned it over to the historical society for conversion into a museum.

1999: Amtrak Heartland Flyer Service Begins

In 1999, Amtrak began its Heartland Flyer service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, passing through Pauls Valley. City officials agreed to build a new waiting room for Amtrak passengers adjacent to the old depot.

2000: Pauls Valley Census Data

According to the 2000 census, Pauls Valley had a population of 6,256, with 2,475 households and 1,591 families. The racial makeup was primarily White (79.27%), with other groups including African American, Native American, and Asian.

2005: Oklahoma Cartoonists Hall of Fame Opens

In 2005, the Oklahoma Cartoonists Hall of Fame, located in the Toy and Action Figure Museum, was opened in Pauls Valley.

2010: Pauls Valley Population

In 2010, Pauls Valley had a population of 6,187.

2020: Pauls Valley Census Data

As of the 2020 census, Pauls Valley had a population of 5,992. The median age was 37.7 years, with 25.3% of residents under 18 and 18.1% 65 or older. There were 93.2 males per 100 females.