Kolache Capital of Oklahoma

The history of our city began in 1891, and on May 19, 2004, our city was 102 years old. Many changes have been made but the atmosphere of a pleasant community still remains. In 1891 four Indian Reservations were opened to settlement. A group of Czech people were among the pioneers who made the Land Run of the Sac and Fox Reservation land. There are still descendants of these families living in Prague: Barta, Eret, Vlasak, Bonty, Simek and many others. Our city is located on the southeast corner of Lincoln County.

The land on which it is built originally belonged to Frank Barta and Anton Simek. In 1902 the Townsite Company bought this land. Neighborhood centers were soon established where the

essential staple groceries could be purchased. Crude methods of transportation without roads made it necessary for a railroad system.

The Fort Smith & Western was looking for a place to put a coal chute. Their first choice was 2 miles East of Prague, but Mr. Lee Watts placed a much higher price on the land that the railroad was willing to pay. Needless to say, it was welcomed by the settlers in the Czech community. The Townsite Company gave the right of way to land on which the coal chute could be built. The remaining land was the widely advertised. The lots for business sold from $200 to $600 per lot. Resident lots sold for much less.

The town was on its way and Mrs. Eva Barta was given the honor of naming it. She immediately called it Praha, in remembrance of her home in the Old Country. Later Squire Vlaska changed the name to Prague. Prague can boast of having one of the cleanest and neatest cities in our part of the state. The population is approximately 2,500 with a trade area of 3, 200.

The Fire Department is a volunteer group. There are two city trucks, four rural trucks, a tanker, a Rescue Boat, and the emergency rescue unit that transports the Jaws of Life. The Ambulance Service is also city operated. It is equipped with life saving equipment and staffed by employees trained to give emergency care. A few years ago, Prague was faced with the possibility of losing its hospital. Realizing the importance of this facility, the people voted to buy the hospital. Since that time, many improvements have been made to modernize the hospital. There is now a new operating suite, new x-ray equipment, offices for three doctors and one dentist. Beautiful new rooms have been added upstairs to accommodate more patients.

Prague has two banks both occupying new buildings. People from surrounding towns use the Prague banking facilities. The banks are equipped with the newest computer systems to give more efficient service.

Worship service is an important phase in the lives of the people of Prague. There are sixteen churches in town, all showing improvement in size and appearance. People like this atmosphere and are constantly moving here from the cities to enjoy a more peaceful place in which to raise their families.

The Haynie Public Library opened in late 2006 and is across the street for the School. The school has approximately 1000 students this year. Many honors have been added to the school by the efficient work of its pupils. Construction was completd in 1998 on the new auditorium at the Middle School complex. The town feels the young people to be its greatest asset.

Farming still ranks high as a major industry. Many beautiful farms and ranches can be seen while driving through the country. Peanuts are a major crop along with alfalfa, wheat and pecans. Registered swine and cattle are also in abundance. many breeders in this area have won many trophies with their stock. This helps and encourages the FFA towards greater goals.

To sum up our town is rather hard to do. We have many things to offer and are proud of them. Visitors are always welcome in our city. They will find Prague centrally located from Oklahoma's largest cities. We are 50 miles east from Oklahoma City and approximately 65 miles southwest from Tulsa. We are 7 miles north of I-40 and 18 miles south of Turner Turnpike. Highways 62 and I-377 run through Prague.