Earlsboro Public Schools

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A Rich History of Learning

Established in 1891 before statehood, Earlsboro was established by the Choctaw Coal and Railway but now is home to those who enjoy a rural lifestyle.

The town was established by a local African American barber whose name was James Earl. Earl served as an orderly under Confederate General Joseph Wheeler during the Civil War. During the period prior to statehood, this area was part of Oklahoma Territory and illegal sales of alcohol helped to support the local economy which resulted in the first three businesses of sallons being built in the area. By 1905 the population was around 500 and many customers were from Indian Territory. Once statehood occured in 1907, the entire state entered into the Prohibition era and there was a decline in the population to 387. Agriculture became an economic driver in the area replacing liquor. In 1926, there was a discovery of oil and this led to the second economic boom and addition of many businesses and infrastructure. The population rose to 10,000 people in two months. There was a hotel, large theater, and many different businesses added to the town. Water and sewage systems were added in 1929 and by 1930 the census reported there was a population of 1,950 people. The oil boom turned to a bust quickly in 1932 and many people left after filing bankruptcy as they could no longer pay their debts.

Earlsboro, OK streets before pavement was added, c. 1920s

WPA Construction of Earlsboro High School in 1940

Our current middle and high school was built in 1940 with funding from the Federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) with an estimated population at the time being 486. Without the help of the WPA, the structure would not have been built accoring tot he Oklahoma Preservation Sruvey. The WPA hired unemployed residents of the area, thus providing them with an income and the ability to feed their families. It is a one story, light colored brick building with the main entrance facing the south, with a beautiful concrete surround with the inscription, “Earlsboro High School” with additional floral and geometric designs worked into the concrete. There is a bronze WPA shield showing the date of construction.

Photo of Earlsboro High School

Willie Stargell Major League Baseball Hall of Fame

Earlsoboro was also the birthplace of Willie Stargell, a major league baseball player who signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates and entered the minor league in 1959. Stargell quickly moved up to the major league in 1962. He began to coach after his retirement for the Atlanta Braves and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988, which was the first year he was eligible to be inducted. He returned to the Pittsburgh club in 1998 as an aid to the general manager and was a special advisor to the owner of the team.

Willie Stargell wearing #8 jersey

Current Community

According to the 2020 census there is now a population of 594 residents in this picturesque area of Pottowatomie County. Local businesses thrive in our community ranging from a telephone company, insurance agency, tag office, and restraunt just to name a few. The voluntere fire department, city hall, police and post office are all stakeholders in this community and strive to work with the school to support the students in many ways. The park near the school was named after Lacosta Rawls and is a lovely addition to the community an commemoration to her dedication to this town. Rolling hills and vistas are home to many who raise cattle in the area. Over the years, we've evolved in tandem with our community, adapting to meet the changing needs of our students while preserving the core values that have made us a pillar of education for those who live in the area.