The area was then just inside the northeastern corner of the Creek Nation in Indian Territory.

[5] Strip mines began producing coal nearby before statehood in 1907, causing a small boom in population.

[5] In October 2020, tissue paper maker Sofidel opened a $360 million production factory in Inola.

[8] The 1.8 million-square-foot plant includes a mill that transforms pulp into paper and a conversion facility that makes the finished product.

The facility was to be built approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) outside of Inola and encompass the use of two General Electric (GE) Boiling Water Reactors.

After nine years of court battles and minor earthquakes in the area, the decision was abandoned in 1982 and no complex was built.