Blackwell, city in Kay County, Oklahoma, United States
Blackwell is a city located in the center of Kay County where two main roads converge near the Chikaskia River. Today the city offers parks, a swimming pool, a golf course, community centers, a public library, and an airport that serve the approximately 6000 residents who live here.
The town was founded in 1893 when the Cherokee Outlet opened and took its name from Andrew J. Blackwell, a co-founder. Two railroad lines built in the late 1890s and the discovery of oil in the early 1900s drove rapid growth, with the population reaching over 9500 by 1960.
The name Blackwell comes from Andrew J. Blackwell, one of the town's founders, and remains central to local identity. Main Street and local shops form the heart of community life, where residents gather for events like the annual street fair that keeps the town's shared history alive.
The city is easily accessible by car via the two main roads, and the airport provides additional travel options for visitors. You can explore the Blackwell Armory and Electric Park Pavilion listed in the National Register of Historic Places, or visit local museums to learn about the town's history.
The city had a large zinc smelter in the 1970s that employed hundreds of workers, reflecting industrial diversity beyond farming and oil. This production sector shaped the city's economy during its peak years and left architectural marks that still characterize the landscape today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
