Coal County, Oklahoma

Tupelo, on Hwy 3, was first called Jeffs. The name was changed in 1904 and is said to have been named by W. N. McCary after his birthplace, Tupelo, Mississippi. About 1910 a four and half foot vein of coal was discovered north of Tupelo, which generated mining activity and helped the town grow to a population of 500. The town was located on the M.K.&T railroad, Missouri, Oklahoma and Gulf, and Oklahoma Central railroads. One railroad still operates, the Missouri Pacific, which runs north and south.