Kay County

Kay County spans grasslands and prairie landscapes across northern Oklahoma, encompassing several communities with Newkirk as the county seat. The region features gently rolling terrain and a mix of farmland and small town centers throughout its territory.

The county formed in 1895 from Cherokee Strip territories following major land runs that brought settlers to Oklahoma. The region experienced rapid settlement through these expansion movements of the late 1800s.

The Chilocco Indian Agricultural School north of Newkirk functioned as an educational center for Native American students from 1884 through 1980.

The county clerk's office in Newkirk handles public records and administrative matters during weekday business hours. Visitors can find assistance with official documents and local government information at the administrative center.

Along the Arkansas River lie remains of two large 18th-century Wichita villages, the Deer Creek and Bryson Paddock Sites. These archaeological sites reveal earlier Native American settlement patterns before later European expansion.

Location: Oklahoma

Inception: 1895

Capital city: Newkirk

Shares border with: Cowley County, Noble County, Osage County, Garfield County, Grant County, Sumner County

Website: https://courthouse.kay.ok.us

GPS coordinates: 36.81000,-97.14000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:22