In 1891, the area known as "No Man's Land" referred to the Oklahoma Panhandle - an unassigned public territory that wasn't part of any state or territory until it was officially attached to Oklahoma Territory in 1907. This strip of land later became the three counties we know today as Cimarron, Texas, and Beaver Counties.
Located along Oklahoma's western border with Texas, the counties of Ellis, Roger Mills, and Beckham form a region rich in frontier history, rugged landscapes, and agricultural heritage. Once part of the open range and major cattle trails of the 19th century, these counties played key roles in early settlement, ranching, and the development of the railroad. Read more about Oklahoma's history.
Featured County
Ellis County, located in northwestern Oklahoma along the Texas border, has a history deeply rooted in frontier life, cattle trails, and early railroads. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Cheyenne, who used the land for hunting and seasonal migration.
In the mid-1800s, the region became part of the route for the Great Western Cattle Trail, which passed through present-day Ellis County as cattle were driven from Texas to northern markets. This era brought cowboys, chuckwagons, and improvised trail towns to the area.
When Oklahoma Territory was organized in 1890, the area was part of Day County, a county that no longer exists. With Oklahoma statehood in 1907, Ellis County was officially created by combining parts of Day and Woodward Counties. It was named after Albert H. Ellis, a prominent farmer and member of the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention.
The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s, particularly the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT or "Katy") and Wichita Falls and Northwestern Railway, was key to the county's development. These rail lines helped small towns like Arnett (the county seat), Shattuck, and Gage grow by connecting them to larger markets.
Ellis County's economy has long relied on agriculture and ranching, with wheat, cattle, and oil playing important roles. Today, the county maintains its rural charm while preserving its frontier heritage through local museums and historic sites.
Top Right: Oklahoma Cowboy Roddy Harris
and longhorn steers, 2002
Shattuck, Oklahoma, 2023
Photos courtesy of Laura Ann Owens
Oklahoma Panhandle Counties
|
County
|
Organized |
County Seat |
| Cimarron |
1907 |
Boise City |
| Texas |
1907 |
Guymon |
| Beaver |
1891 |
Beaver City |
.gif)