Ellis County

Ellis County is a county in western Oklahoma covering roughly 1,230 square miles (3,190 square kilometers) of land. Wolf Creek, a tributary of the North Canadian River, flows through the territory and forms part of the regional water system.

The county was established in 1907 and named after Albert H. Ellis, who served as vice president of Oklahoma's Constitutional Convention. It was formed from portions of the Day and Woodward counties.

German-speaking settlers from Russia established communities near Shattuck starting in the early 1900s, and their agricultural traditions continue to shape the rural character of the area today. Their influence remains visible in the farming practices and settlement patterns across the region.

The county is accessible through U.S. Highways 60 and 283, along with State Highways 15, 46, and 51 that run across the territory. These routes provide good connections to different parts of the county.

In 1838, Wolf Creek became the site of a major conflict between Cheyenne and Arapaho forces against camps of Kiowa, Comanche, and Plains Apache peoples. This event represents an important moment in the tribal history of the region.

Location: Oklahoma

Inception: July 16, 1907

Capital city: Arnett

Shares border with: Harper County, Roger Mills County, Woodward County, Dewey County, Beaver County, Hemphill County, Lipscomb County

GPS coordinates: 36.21000,-99.75000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:57