Delaware County

Delaware County is a county in northeastern Oklahoma that covers rolling terrain with thick forests and multiple large reservoirs throughout the landscape. The region sits on the western slope of the Ozark Plateau and combines natural features with small rural communities.

The area was originally a district of the Cherokee Nation and became an official county in 1907 when Oklahoma achieved statehood. Jay developed as the administrative center of the newly formed county.

Archaeological studies reveal three prehistoric settlement periods in the region, with artifacts from Eastern Villager, Woodland, and Archaic civilizations dating back 2000 years.

The county is best explored by car since attractions and lakes are spread throughout the region. Most facilities and visitor information are located in Jay, the administrative center.

The construction of Grand Lake o' the Cherokees in the 1940s flooded many archaeological sites across the region. These lakes now hide underwater remains of settlements thousands of years old.

Location: Oklahoma

Inception: July 16, 1907

Capital city: Jay

Shares border with: Ottawa County, Adair County, Cherokee County, McDonald County, Benton County, Craig County, Mayes County

Website: https://delaware.okcounties.org

GPS coordinates: 36.41000,-94.80000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:23