The History and Composition of Boley, Oklahoma - 1703 Words

Introduction Imagine living in a town that was once thriving with successful businesses to a community that barely exist. As you travel down the deserted roads of your community you are surrounded by boarded up memorable buildings, deteriorating homes, and empty storefronts. The water tower that stands tall for all to see is now covered by rust. While the streets in which you are traveling on show signs of frequent patchwork in an effort to salvage the road. As you pass by what once was your favorite mom and pop’s restaurant you began to reminisce on the time you spent there with loved ones. This has become the story of residents in Boley, Oklahoma; one of the first all black towns in the state. History In 1903 the community of†¦show more content†¦Highway 62 before reaching Boley’s main street; Pecan Street. Because this highway was built just south of Boley travelers are encouraged to pay close attention and anticipate the turnoff leading to the small town. Demographics According to the United States Census Bureau (2010) the population of Boley, Oklahoma is 1,184 (U.S. Census, 2010). This population number also includes male inmates who are incarcerated at John Lilley Correctional Center. Males who reside in Boley, Oklahoma make up more than half of the population. In fact, 86.5% of the population is males while the female population is at a low 13.5%. There are exactly 160 females and 1,024 males living in the town of Boley. However, 820 males are housed at the John Lilley Correctional Center (Oklahoma Department Of Corrections, 2014). The population of Boley, Oklahoma consists of 5.8% of individuals under the age of 18, 6.1% between 18 to 24, 49.7% between 25 to 44, 32.3% between 45 to 64 and 6.2% of people ages 65 or older. As indicated by the U.S. Census Bureau the median age in this rural town is 39.4 (U.S. Census, 2010). The racial makeup of Boley, Oklahoma is 39.1% of African Americans, 43.8% Caucasians, 5.9% American Indian, 6.0% Hisp anic/Latino, 0.1% Asian, and 5.1% of individuals who identified themselves as some other race (U.S. Census, 2010). Although the numbers shows a high percentage of Caucasians the race of non-incarcerated people