The name "Atoka" is derived from the Choctaw word hitoka (or hetoka), which means "ball ground" in English.

Their purpose was to break Confederate control over the Indian Territory and gain the support and possibly recruits from the Native Americans.

Stand by me faithfully and we will soon have peace ...." -- Colonel William A. Philips, to his men before beginning the campaign Along the way, Colonel Phillips sent out an advance of about 350 men toward Boggy Depot, a large Confederate supply base located on the Texas Road with the intention of capturing the outpost.

A main contributing factor in the early growth of Atoka was the MKT Railroad, which came through the area in 1872.

The railroad provided the economic lifeblood to Atoka that any isolated rural town needs to survive and flourish.

[8] On October 12, 1875, the Sacred Heart Mission, what later became St. Gregory's University, was founded in Atoka by the Benedictine monks Father Isidore Robot, O.S.B., and Brother Dominic Lambert, O.S.B.

For the past several years, economic growth has been steadily moving northward along U.S. 75 from Dallas, Texas.

Two towns located to the south of Atoka, Durant, Oklahoma, and Sherman, Texas, are experiencing tremendous economic and population growth.

As this wave of development gradually moves north, the next town in line is the city of Atoka.

If the growth continues, it is possible that Atoka could begin to see the type of expansion currently underway across the Red River to the south.

The restaurant has increased tourism in the Atoka area and is helping to spark economic growth.

The office of Mayor of Atoka is largely a ceremonial position, as most executive authority is held by the city manager, who acts on behalf of the council.

There were rich stands of hardwood nearby and ample water from Boggy River to power sawmills.

[8] In the early 20th century, Atoka became a ranching and farming community, with its economic base firmly planted in agriculturally related venues.

As of May 2007, Ethan Allen has resumed operations at the Atoka plant, converting the former manufacturing facility to a distribution center.

In addition to revenue generated at convenience stores, fast food restaurants, etc., Atoka (and Atoka County) is a popular hunting and fishing area; as well, scenic tourism plays a small, albeit important role in the city's economy.

[17] Atoka Municipal Airport (KAQR, or FAA ID: AQR), located 1 mile northwest of town, has a 3015’ x 60’ paved runway.

The shows consists of callers advertising items such as cars, furniture and animals, or events such as auctions and garage sales over the air.

The current host, Derek Reid, still sometimes answers the phone to people saying "Good Morning Brother John", as a nod to Reuben.

[citation needed] The Atoka High School campus is located on the west side of the town, and enrollment averages between 300 and 400 students from grades 9 to 12.

The Atoka campus offers courses in Business Information Technology, Computer Repair & Networking, Cosmetology, Child Care, Nursing, Auto Mechanics, and Carpentry.