Nestled in the southern reaches of Harper County, May, Oklahoma, stands as a poignant reminder of the American West’s boom-and-bust cycles, now existing as a semi-ghost town. Its origins are deeply rooted in the historic opening of the Cherokee Outlet in 1893, an event that reshaped the landscape of what would become Oklahoma Territory.
The story of May, Oklahoma, truly began with intrepid settlers seeking new opportunities on this vast new frontier. Among the earliest pioneers was John H. Porterfield, an Illinois native, who recognized the potential of the area. He established a pivotal general store on what would become the townsite, laying the groundwork for a community. It was Porterfield who bestowed the settlement with its name, honoring his daughter, Jessie May. His commitment to the burgeoning community was further cemented when he was appointed postmaster, a crucial role, upon the establishment of a post office in July 1896, signifying the town’s growing importance.
The Golden Era: Growth and Prosperity in May
The early 20th century marked a period of significant development for May, Oklahoma. In July 1902, the town was formally platted, a strategic move that organized its layout and facilitated further expansion. The arrival of the Wichita Falls and Northwestern Railway in the spring of 1912, a subsidiary of the prominent Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railway, was a transformative event. This new rail link instantly positioned May as a vital wheat-shipping point, connecting local agricultural producers to broader markets and fueling economic growth.
On November 3, 1913, May officially incorporated, reflecting its status as a thriving community. At its peak, the town boasted a robust array of businesses and services essential for a growing frontier settlement. These included the foundational May State Bank, providing crucial financial services, and comfortable accommodations like the Cottage and Keystone hotels. Agricultural commerce was robust, supported by the C. B. Cozart Grain Company, a large grain elevator, and a bustling feed barn. Residents also enjoyed local amenities such as the May Restaurant and City Meat Market. That same year, a modern two-story brick school building was constructed, underscoring the community’s investment in education and its future. The town also supported several local newspapers, including the May Monitor, the May Bugle, and the May Record, which kept residents informed and fostered a sense of community identity.
The population of May, Oklahoma, reached its zenith in 1920, with 324 residents. This period represented the high-water mark of its prosperity, driven largely by the twin pillars of its economy: cattle ranching and wheat farming. However, despite its economic strengths, May faced significant environmental challenges. Situated precariously just south of the North Canadian River and east of Otter Creek, the town was frequently susceptible to devastating floods, which periodically disrupted life and business.
Decline and Transformation: The Quiet Years
The mid-20th century brought an irreversible decline to May, Oklahoma. The onset of World War II catalyzed a significant exodus, as many residents enlisted in the military or sought employment in wartime industries elsewhere. This drain on its population continued into the postwar years, leading to a steady closure of local businesses and a gradual erosion of the town’s vibrancy. By 1950, the population had dwindled to just 143 people, less than half its peak. Educational institutions also felt the impact, with the town’s high school closing its doors in 1957, a clear sign of the shrinking youth demographic.
By 1970, the population had further plummeted to a mere 91 residents. The May School District, no longer viable on its own, was dissolved, with its remaining students apportioned among the neighboring districts of Laverne, Fort Supply, and Gage. Another significant blow came two years later, in 1972, when the Missouri, Kansas, & Texas Railway, which had once been the lifeblood of May’s agricultural economy, was abandoned. This closure severed May’s critical link to regional markets, effectively sealing its fate as a declining rural center.
May Today: Echoes of the Past
Today, May, Oklahoma, exists as a quiet testament to its once-vibrant past. The community is home to approximately 40 individuals, a stark contrast to its bustling peak. While many businesses have vanished, a few essential services remain, including a post office, which continues to serve the sparse population, a church, and a surviving grain elevator that hints at its agricultural heritage. A scattering of homes stands as a silent witness to the passage of time.
Geographically, May is located at the intersection of State Highway 46 and U.S. Highway 270, approximately 21 miles southwest of Buffalo, the seat of Harper County. Its current tranquil state offers a unique glimpse into the resilience of rural communities and the enduring legacy of Oklahoma’s frontier history, even as it transitions into a semi-ghost town, rich with stories of the past.
