Mcalester, OK
Music connected to Mcalester
About Mcalester
- • Patti Page, the "Singing Rage," was born in McAlester and sold over 100 million records.
- • The McAlester Italian Festival, a celebration of Italian heritage, originated here.
- • Coal mining and the railroad established McAlester as a vital supply hub.
- • Alderson Coal Mine, a significant mine in the area, experienced a major explosion in 1918.
- • The Great Depression severely impacted McAlester's economy, causing widespread hardship.
- • It's named after James J. McAlester, who founded it in 1872 and incorporated it in 1899.
- • With just over 18,000 residents, it's small but the largest city in Pittsburg County.
- • At 699 feet above sea level, the air is crisp and the views are expansive.
- • Corrections, manufacturing, and agriculture drive McAlester's economy.
- • There's a friendly, small-town feel; a sense of community and shared history.
- • The Oklahoma City Thunder is the closest major pro sports team to McAlester.
- • McAlester High School has a rich football history, winning state championships.