It is also notable for the nearby Lake Spavinaw, the principal source of water for Tulsa.

This term referred to a description of the color of black jack, post and red oak trees which grow here in springtime.

In 1839, the Eastern Cherokee began moving into the Spavinaw area of Indian Territory.

In 1855, a group of Mormon missionaries from Utah arrived at Croft's home and began converting Cherokees and Creeks.

When they began urging the converts to move to Utah, Lewis Rogers complained to the Cherokee council.

In October 1856, Chief John Ross ordered all Mormons out of the Cherokee nation.

The residents moved a short distance to found a new town called Spavinaw.

[7] According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.4 square miles (1.0 km2), all land.

The town is also host to Lake Spavinaw, the main water supplier of The City of Tulsa.

Approximately 28.7% of families and 27.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.2% of those under the age of 18 and 13.8% of those 65 and older.