What has happened to Lawton Oklahoma?

Images of how Lawton Oklahoma, once a cultural icon in the Midwest, has decayed into a haven for crime and vagrancy

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Lawton Oklahoma
• Lawton
• Oklahoma
• Commanche County
• Our Town city

[kurmoe]

A few abandoned establishments and some graffiti and you think thats bad? Guess you have never been to Detroit or St. Louis.

[TheLawtonoklahoma]

@kurmoe Absolutely not trying to compare to say Southside Chicago or East St. Louis. This is more of a video meant to raise public awareness among Lawton citizens about how the city leaders let the city fall into decay of the last couple decades. Since you raised the issue though, several news sources have listed the top 10 most dangerous cities to live in (per capita) and Lawton OK was on the rise in them, ranking around #6. This is an issue that seems to just constantly be ignored.

[libravenus85]

We live in Lawton. We are from IL originally, but stationed here with the Army. Lawton looks like it USED to be a nice city...but honestly it has so many shady-looking residential areas that we don't feel safe living here anymore. Its really sad. The first thing we noticed when we moved here was how nice the locals were. But the longer we have lived here, the more we want to leave. I hope the city officials wake up some day and make Lawton a nice city again.

[TheLawtonoklahoma]

@libravenus85 Yeah I was born in Lawton and I lived there my entire life pretty much. The residential areas are terrible in most areas, and those who don't agree I assume live on the west side in the wealthy areas. It is incredibly unsafe in a lot of areas. The problem is that the city officials cater to the lowest common denominator. They'd rather allow second hand jewelry stores open than say, a Macy's or a B&N. I more than understand you wanting to leave.

[TheLawtonoklahoma]

I am glad this video is getting a little bit of attention... Now please share it with your friends if you live in this town, and don't hesitate to send it to the members of Lawton's City Council, especially those who sit of the Board of Urban Development. Let's all help to get the officials of this town to stop catering to the lowest common denominator. We CAN do better.

[blotto73]

Totally disagree with this video. Of course cinemas go out of business,..you can now download movies from the internet. Do we lament the fact that no one manufactures carts and buggies drawn by horses?

[blawndeeaw]

Could you make a video that shows some of the positives of this town??? If you live here then you must know that Mid-town NEEDED to be taken down, there are buildings in your video that are currently undergoing renovations. This city has a very generous population, and like many things in life, there is always room for improvement. If you dslike it so much, then why not move somewhere else??? ~Haven't seen anyone walking around with a ball & chain attached to their ankle.

[ekg125]

I lived in Lawton from 1962 until 1994, and I can testify that the older I grew, the worse the town got. There is no opportunity for a career, unless you're lucky enough to get hired on at Goodyear. There is no place for teenagers to hang out and have good safe fun. The Lawton Police are little more than corrupt hooligans with a badge and a gun, and aren't afraid to let you know it! I find myself visiting every couple years, and every single time I go back, it looks more and more pathetic. Sad..

[MrMannyfresh78]

@MrMannyfresh78 years. Lawton really is not that bad. I work for the state and I am all over Southwest Oklahoma. Beleive me, Lawton is your best option in this part of the state. Lawton has a few very positive attributes. 1. Lawton is very diverse (much more diverse than more progressive OK cities like Norman or Edmond). 2. Lawton has the only four-year university in the region. 3. The people are friendly. 4. Lawton is growing (unlike any other city in SW. OK). 4. It's not Altus.

[MrMannyfresh78]

@MrMannyfresh78 pastures." Lawton's identity as a military town also affects the cost of living (which we all know is very, very low), that in turn, affects the type of individuals who stay. Lastly, the reason why military towns normally have a high crime rate is because crime is exacerbated by transplants from other parts of the country. Any Lawtonian will tell you that a major factor contributing to the city's gang problem, are individuals from larger city's who have settled here over the

[MrMannyfresh78]

@MrMannyfresh78 software, renewable energy production, etc.). Don't get me wrong, Southwest Oklahoma's agriculture base is important. However, Lawton's growth as a progressive city cannot be supported by it's rural economy. Also, Lawton is a military town. All military towns are "rough around the edges." Take Fayetteville, NC for example. Like most military towns, Lawton does not have a stable population. Those in the military live in Lawton for a few years then leave for home or "greener

[MrMannyfresh78]

Lawton's situation is not unique. The economic downturn has affected other areas in the country as well. In addition, Lawton is no different than other parts of Southwest Oklahoma. Ever been to Altus, Hollis, Hobart, Frederick, Snyder, Mangum, Elk City, Clinton, or Sayre? The economy in Southwest Oklahoma is archaic, based on agriculture. In order for a city the size of Lawton to improve, the economy must be restructured so that the city attracts more relevant "urban-friendly" industries (e.g.

[madmax1989ify]

Sorry dude, but your pictures really don't reflect anything but how the economic downturn has affected the rest of the country. I would agree that Lawton is pretty run down, however I just don't think it's as bad as you paint it to be. The city council needs to quit giving licences to liquor stores, pawn shops, and strip clubs if they want to reduce crime. Also the city needs to institute more after school youth progrms for kids who would otherwise be attracted to gangs. It's not west Baltimore.

[ilovejustinbieber20]

My moms car got shot at and the window busted on the road inbetween the hospital and cameron and all the cops said was it was a rock somone threw (they found nothing in the car) but my mom heard the gun shot and ducked. Lawton police suck!