The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-04-11
TWO TOWNS Of Tents
At the Terminus of the New
Rock Island Extension
ON THE OKLAHOMA LINE
Soon There Will be One City,
of Brick and Stone.
ON THE OKLAHOMA LINE

Oakdale, o. T, April 10.-To the Editor
of the Eagle: The Eagle remembers the
excitement of wild-eyed spectators dur
ing the great Wichita boom and the
smaller booms in western Kansas, where
men snapped their lives for corner lots.
1t has been said that experience teaches
a dear school, but fools will ieanr in no
other" The wholesome lessons taught by
experience are forgotten the moment
new railroad town is mentioned.
About three months ago the Rock Island
Railroad company commenced grading a
new road from Chickasha west through
the great Wichita mountain country. A
charter had been granted through the Co.
manche KIowa and Caddo Indian country,
parallel with, but about forty miles south
of the new ChoctaW road, both aiming, no
doubt, to secure the immense cattle ship
ments from western Oklahoma the Indian
country and the Pan Handle of Texas.
The new Rock Island runs near the
quarantine line, unit. it crosses the great
Washita river, just fifty miles west at
Chickasha and one mile south Of the Ok
lahoma line.
a glance at the map will convince any
one that a large city will be built on the
banks of the Washita river. The wide
aluvial bottom lands, with abundance of
timber, and the rich fertile soil of the up
lands, are all taken by homestead settlers,
but not an acre of decided lands can be
found in that vicinity
Everyone can see at a glance that the
railroad will be compelled to establish
stockyards and run switches from the
main track TO a point in Oklahoma north
Of the quarantine line, in order to secure
the heavy cattle shipments from western
Oklahoma. 1t is equally well known that
the government will not permit the build
ing of any towns on the Indian reserYa-
tons, hence town al this point will be
without a rival for fifty miles east or
west 1t is no wonder that the people have
been flocking here i'll crowds, anticipating
what is sure to come--the best town in
southwestern Oklahoma.
As soon as the grade stakes were set
and depot grounds marked off, several
homesteaders advertised to make final
proof on their lands, with ole view no
doubt, of getting big prices for lands when
in shape to sell.
Right here is where the fun comes in.
Everybody claims to know, but none can
tell, where the new town will be located.
A nucleus Immediately formed around the
popular Indian trading posts of Yates and
Eeaton, on the north bank of the river.
In very few days hundreds of tents were
set up and business of all kinds opened
up-stores, saloons, eating and lodging
houses.
The south-siders seemed to discourage
settlements on their side of the river.
They charged s. per month for tenting on
/ their claims; nevertheless, when such
merchant princes as Mr.. Snead, of Ana
, darko and Fort Sill fame moved their
mammoth stock of dry goods, groceries
and clothing to that point, others COM
menced flocking around him until there
was quite as many, if not more, business
houses in full operation.
l. c. Price, the pioneer newspaper man,
Is on the ground with his plant and will
publish the first issue of the Southwestern
Progress next week.
The utmost good feeling prevails be-
tween the inhabitants of the twin sister
towns.
Nothing definite can be told of the Ioca-
ton of the ne city until about the 10Th of
this month. when title can be obtained to
several pieces of land; then you will see
union of hearts and hands that will
build a city in a few months.
The track is completed to the fifty-irst
mile stake, where large freight and pas,
senger depots are under construction, and
which will be the terminus of the road
for years to come. They like the Choctaw
road, will push further west at their own
convenience.
Every available spot for tenting is now
occupied. and business of all kinds is fully
represented. hence those who contemplate
coming here are advised to postpone the
trip until the 18th or 10Th of this month
which will give plenty of time to get in
the swim. TENT DWFILER