Moore, Oklahoma
Encyclopedia
Moore is a city in Cleveland County
, Oklahoma
and is part of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area. The population was 55,081 at the 2010 census, making it the seventh largest city in the state of Oklahoma.
Situated next to the northern boundary of Cleveland County, Moore is the second largest city in the county and the seventh largest city in the state. Moore was once known for as sleeping community is now known for its fine dining, entertainment and shopping. Moore is less than twenty minutes from downtown Oklahoma City
, Will Rogers World Airport
, Tinker Air Force Base
, the University of Oklahoma
, the Federal Aviation Administration's Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, and thousands of businesses, industries, public and private schools, as well as recreational and cultural facilities.
The city of Moore has been damaged by significant tornadoes on October 4, 1998, May 3, 1999, May 8, 2003, and May 10, 2010. The May 3, 1999 tornado that hit Moore was rated an F5 on the Fujita scale
, and was the strongest and most destructive tornado ever recorded in history. The tornado, which occurred during the 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak, had an approximate recorded wind speed of 318 mi/h, the highest speed on the first F-Scale, left a swath of destruction over 1 miles (1.6 km) wide at times, and 38 miles (61.2 km) long. It killed a total of 36 people in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. This was the deadliest F5 tornado recorded since the Delhi, Louisiana
tornado in 1971.
The original town site comprised a small area bounded by the present NE 3rd Street on the north and SE 4th Street on the south; the eastern limit was situated about one and a half blocks east of the railroad and the western edge about two and a half blocks west of the railroad.
The little town slumbered comfortably for seventy years—then it exploded in a frenzy of expansion and development that attracted attention nationwide. In 1961 approximately 21.6 square miles (55.9 km²) of additional territory was annexed and Moore became a city in 1962. The decade of the 60's saw Moore's population soar.
The 1970 census showed an increase of more than 950% for a total of 18,761. The 1980 Census recorded 35,063 residents - an 86% growth rate. Moore continued to grow during the 80's, with the 1990 Census indicating a 15% increase to 40,318. The 2000 census listed Moore's population as 41,138. The 2010 population of 55,086.
On May 3, 1999, Moore experienced the most violent tornado ever recorded. As a result, over 1,000 dwelling units were destroyed and some 3,000 to 4,000 residents were either temporarily or permanently displaced. Several hundred homes have been rebuilt, and Moore is well on the way to recovery from that devastating storm.
An important factor in the city's growth has been its location. The close proximity and easy access to the state's capital city on the north and the University of Oklahoma to the south make Moore an attractive, convenient place to live. Moore is an Oklahoma "Certified City" and strives to maintain a high quality of life for its citizenry.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 21.9 square miles (56.7 km²), of which, 21.7 square miles (56.2 km²) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) is water.
of 2000, there were 41,138 people, 14,848 households, and 11,566 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,892.8 people per square mile (730.9/km²). There were 15,801 housing units at an average density of 727.0 per square mile (280.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 84.63% White, 2.92% Black, 4.14% Native American, 1.62% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.75% from other races
, and 4.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.10% of the population.
There were 14,848 households out of which 41.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.4% were married couples
living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.1% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.4% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $43,409, and the median income for a family was $47,773. Males had a median income of $33,394 versus $24,753 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $17,689. About 6.3% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.6% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.
and Westmoore
. There are also 5 junior high schools: Brink, Central, Highland East, Highland West and Moore West, and 23 elementary schools: Apple Creek, Briarwood, Broadmoore, Bryant, Central, Earlywine, Eastlake, Fairview, Fisher, Heritage Trails, Houchin, Kelley, Kingsgate, Northmoor, Oakridge, Plaza Towers, Red Oak, Santa Fe, Sky Ranch, Sooner, Southgate-Rippetoe, Wayland Bonds and Winding Creek.
. His Diff'rent Strokes
co-star, Dana Plato
died of a drug overdose on May 8, 1999 in a recreational vehicle outside of her fiancé's parents' house in Moore.
Musicians and bands: Toby Keith
, Kellie Coffey
, and Rusty Anderson (lead guitarist for Johnny Lee
).
U.S. Representative Tom Cole
, currently the only Native American serving in Congress, lives in Moore with his wife and son.
Michael Hinckley
, Major League Baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays
.
Pornographic actress Jesse Jane
graduated high school in Moore. She was also a varsity cheerleader.
Randy Wayne
was born and raised in Moore.
Miss Oklahoma USA and first runner up to Miss USA 2010 - Morgan Woolard
Randall L. Stephenson, Currently The Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of AT&T Inc.
The main feature of the memorial is a 15' black, granite obelisk that has the following inscription on it "May this hallowed ground honor the sacrifice of America's finest veterans, civilians, and their families- past, present, and future. We will never forget." Another major feature of the memorial are five black, granite tablets with the seal of the five branches of the service. At the center of the memorial is a flag plaza with a 30' foot pole for the American flag and two 25' poles for the Oklahoma flag and the POW/MIA flag. The flag plaza is surrounded by a polished concrete walking area with a stained 5 pointed star stretching the entire width and height of the walking area. The memorial also features beautiful landscaping.
A committee was formed to plan the second phase of the Moore Veterans Memorial. A campaign to sell bricks to be placed in the memorial was completed in early 2009. Over 190 bricks were purchased by supporters from the community and surrounding areas. The bricks were placed in the Memorial Wall and Phase II completed in May 2009.
The Soldiers' Memorial was dedicated on May 15, 2010. It consists of four carved, wooden soldiers representing the four major wars since the end of World War I. They include World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Afghanistan/Iraq War.
Cleveland County, Oklahoma
Cleveland County is a county in the central part of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The population was 255,755 at the 2010 census. Its county seat is Norman. Cleveland County is part of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
and is part of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area. The population was 55,081 at the 2010 census, making it the seventh largest city in the state of Oklahoma.
Situated next to the northern boundary of Cleveland County, Moore is the second largest city in the county and the seventh largest city in the state. Moore was once known for as sleeping community is now known for its fine dining, entertainment and shopping. Moore is less than twenty minutes from downtown Oklahoma City
Oklahoma city
Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Oklahoma.Oklahoma City may also refer to:*Oklahoma City metropolitan area*Downtown Oklahoma City*Uptown Oklahoma City*Oklahoma City bombing*Oklahoma City National Memorial...
, Will Rogers World Airport
Will Rogers World Airport
Will Rogers World Airport , also known as Will Rogers Airport or simply Will Rogers, is located in southwestern Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 6 miles from downtown and is the principal commercial airport of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area...
, Tinker Air Force Base
Tinker Air Force Base
Tinker Air Force Base is a major U.S. Air Force base, with tenant U.S. Navy and other Department of Defense missions, located in the southeast Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area, directly south of the suburb of Midwest City, Oklahoma.-Overview:...
, the University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two became the state of Oklahoma. the university had 29,931 students enrolled, most located at its...
, the Federal Aviation Administration's Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, and thousands of businesses, industries, public and private schools, as well as recreational and cultural facilities.
The city of Moore has been damaged by significant tornadoes on October 4, 1998, May 3, 1999, May 8, 2003, and May 10, 2010. The May 3, 1999 tornado that hit Moore was rated an F5 on the Fujita scale
Fujita scale
The Fujita scale , or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating tornado intensity, based primarily on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation...
, and was the strongest and most destructive tornado ever recorded in history. The tornado, which occurred during the 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak, had an approximate recorded wind speed of 318 mi/h, the highest speed on the first F-Scale, left a swath of destruction over 1 miles (1.6 km) wide at times, and 38 miles (61.2 km) long. It killed a total of 36 people in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. This was the deadliest F5 tornado recorded since the Delhi, Louisiana
Delhi, Louisiana
Delhi, originally called Deerfield, is a town in Richland Parish, Louisiana, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the town population was 3,066.-History:...
tornado in 1971.
History
Moore was founded during the land-run of 1889. The early settlers came on train, horseback, wagons, and some, on foot. According to local historians, the town's original name was "Verbeck" as designated by the railroad company. However, a railroad employee named Al Moore, reported to be either a conductor or a brakeman, lived in a boxcar at the camp and had difficulty receiving his mail. He painted his name - "Moore" - on a board and nailed it on the boxcar. When a postmaster was appointed, he continued to call the settlement Moore. When the town incorporated in 1893 the name was legalized.The original town site comprised a small area bounded by the present NE 3rd Street on the north and SE 4th Street on the south; the eastern limit was situated about one and a half blocks east of the railroad and the western edge about two and a half blocks west of the railroad.
The little town slumbered comfortably for seventy years—then it exploded in a frenzy of expansion and development that attracted attention nationwide. In 1961 approximately 21.6 square miles (55.9 km²) of additional territory was annexed and Moore became a city in 1962. The decade of the 60's saw Moore's population soar.
The 1970 census showed an increase of more than 950% for a total of 18,761. The 1980 Census recorded 35,063 residents - an 86% growth rate. Moore continued to grow during the 80's, with the 1990 Census indicating a 15% increase to 40,318. The 2000 census listed Moore's population as 41,138. The 2010 population of 55,086.
On May 3, 1999, Moore experienced the most violent tornado ever recorded. As a result, over 1,000 dwelling units were destroyed and some 3,000 to 4,000 residents were either temporarily or permanently displaced. Several hundred homes have been rebuilt, and Moore is well on the way to recovery from that devastating storm.
An important factor in the city's growth has been its location. The close proximity and easy access to the state's capital city on the north and the University of Oklahoma to the south make Moore an attractive, convenient place to live. Moore is an Oklahoma "Certified City" and strives to maintain a high quality of life for its citizenry.
Geography
Moore is located at 35°20′20"N 97°29′15"W (35.338813, -97.487584).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 21.9 square miles (56.7 km²), of which, 21.7 square miles (56.2 km²) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 41,138 people, 14,848 households, and 11,566 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,892.8 people per square mile (730.9/km²). There were 15,801 housing units at an average density of 727.0 per square mile (280.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 84.63% White, 2.92% Black, 4.14% Native American, 1.62% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.75% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 4.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.10% of the population.
There were 14,848 households out of which 41.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.4% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.1% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.4% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $43,409, and the median income for a family was $47,773. Males had a median income of $33,394 versus $24,753 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $17,689. About 6.3% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.6% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.
School system
The City of Moore has 3 high schools, Moore High, SouthmooreSouthmoore High School
Southmoore High School is an American four-year public high school located in the southern part of Moore, Oklahoma. Southmoore High School opened in the 2008-2009 academic year. The school is headed by one head principal, and 4 class principals...
and Westmoore
Westmoore High School
Westmoore High School is an American four-year public high school located in south Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Westmoore was founded as a comprehensive school in 1988 and...
. There are also 5 junior high schools: Brink, Central, Highland East, Highland West and Moore West, and 23 elementary schools: Apple Creek, Briarwood, Broadmoore, Bryant, Central, Earlywine, Eastlake, Fairview, Fisher, Heritage Trails, Houchin, Kelley, Kingsgate, Northmoor, Oakridge, Plaza Towers, Red Oak, Santa Fe, Sky Ranch, Sooner, Southgate-Rippetoe, Wayland Bonds and Winding Creek.
Notable residents and natives
Actor: Danny CookseyDanny Cooksey
Danny Cooksey is an American singer, actor and voice actor. He has been in show business since he was very young and is best remembered for playing the roles of Sam McKinney on the last years of the TV show Diff'rent Strokes and Robert "Bobby" Budnick on the Nickelodeon program, Salute Your...
. His Diff'rent Strokes
Diff'rent Strokes
Diff'rent Strokes is an American television sitcom that aired on NBC from November 3, 1978 to May 4, 1985, and on ABC from September 27, 1985 to March 7, 1986...
co-star, Dana Plato
Dana Plato
Dana Michelle Plato was an American actress notable for playing the role of Kimberly Drummond in the U.S. television sitcom Diff'rent Strokes.Plato appeared in over 100 television commercials as a young girl...
died of a drug overdose on May 8, 1999 in a recreational vehicle outside of her fiancé's parents' house in Moore.
Musicians and bands: Toby Keith
Toby Keith
Toby Keith Covel , best known as Toby Keith, is an American country music singer-songwriter, record producer and actor. Keith released his first four studio albums — 1993's Toby Keith, 1994's Boomtown, 1996's Blue Moon and 1997's Dream Walkin, plus a Greatest Hits package for various divisions of...
, Kellie Coffey
Kellie Coffey
Kellie Coffey is an American country music artist. She made her debut in 2002 with the release of her single "When You Lie Next to Me", a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts...
, and Rusty Anderson (lead guitarist for Johnny Lee
Johnny Lee
Johnny Lee is an American country music singer. His 1980 single, "Lookin' for Love" not only spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard country singles chart in the second half of 1980 but also went to the Top 5 on the Pop charts, and Top 10 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary survey...
).
U.S. Representative Tom Cole
Tom Cole
Thomas Jeffery Cole is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party. He is a Deputy Minority Whip. The chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee from 2006 to 2008, he was, during his tenure, the fourth-ranking Republican leader in the...
, currently the only Native American serving in Congress, lives in Moore with his wife and son.
Michael Hinckley
Michael Hinckley
Michael David Hinckley is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He grew up in Moore, Oklahoma, where he played high school baseball...
, Major League Baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
.
Pornographic actress Jesse Jane
Jesse Jane
Jesse Jane is an American pornographic actress and model.-Early life:Jane was a military brat who grew up on various military bases in the Midwestern United States. She did extensive dance training and was a varsity cheerleader at her high school in Rose Hill, Kansas...
graduated high school in Moore. She was also a varsity cheerleader.
Randy Wayne
Randy Wayne
Randy Wayne is an American actor.Wayne was born and raised in Moore, Oklahoma. He appeared on the 2002 season of the British reality show Shipwrecked, which led to guest appearances on the television shows The Closer, Huff, NCIS, Jack & Bobby, and Numb3rs as well as a series regular role as the...
was born and raised in Moore.
Miss Oklahoma USA and first runner up to Miss USA 2010 - Morgan Woolard
Morgan Woolard
Morgan Elizabeth Woolard is a model and beauty queen from Moore, Oklahoma who was crowned Miss Oklahoma USA 2010. She was also Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2006. She was named first runner-up at the Miss USA 2010 pageant. She was also a Top 10 Finalist in the Miss Earth United States 2009...
Randall L. Stephenson, Currently The Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of AT&T Inc.
Moore Veterans Memorial
The City of Moore has funded the construction of a memorial to honor America's veterans and their families. The City renamed JD Estates Park to Veterans Memorial Park and at the entrance to that park, a memorial is being constructed.The main feature of the memorial is a 15' black, granite obelisk that has the following inscription on it "May this hallowed ground honor the sacrifice of America's finest veterans, civilians, and their families- past, present, and future. We will never forget." Another major feature of the memorial are five black, granite tablets with the seal of the five branches of the service. At the center of the memorial is a flag plaza with a 30' foot pole for the American flag and two 25' poles for the Oklahoma flag and the POW/MIA flag. The flag plaza is surrounded by a polished concrete walking area with a stained 5 pointed star stretching the entire width and height of the walking area. The memorial also features beautiful landscaping.
A committee was formed to plan the second phase of the Moore Veterans Memorial. A campaign to sell bricks to be placed in the memorial was completed in early 2009. Over 190 bricks were purchased by supporters from the community and surrounding areas. The bricks were placed in the Memorial Wall and Phase II completed in May 2009.
The Soldiers' Memorial was dedicated on May 15, 2010. It consists of four carved, wooden soldiers representing the four major wars since the end of World War I. They include World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Afghanistan/Iraq War.