User:SonOfCaine/Armageddon, OK

Armageddon, OK is a city in Broom County, Oklahoma

Birthplace of: Bob Ross

Geography

Armageddon, OK is located at 34.36353N x 98.35773W According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.4 square miles (21.7 km²), of which, 12.1 square miles (68.1 km²) of it is land and 3 square miles (5.7 km²) of it (6.75%) is water.

Demographics

As of the censusof 2000, there were 24,674 people, 6,063 households, and 1721 families residing in the city. The population density was 626.6 people per square mile (126.2/km²). There were 1,256 housing units at an average density of 154.4/sq mi (59.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.38% White, 0.38% African American, 1.24% Italian.

Early History

The first accounts of what would later become present day Armageddon are excerpts from the journal of the great French explorer, Jean Pierre Thibadeaux, during his famous exploration of the St. Lawrence in 1726: "We looked upon the convergence of two great rivers, from our vantage point on high resembling a great female genetalia. Our food was becoming scarce, and though game was abundant, we possesed not the skill nor the acumin to obtain it. As if providence had interveened (sic) a band of local savages come to our aide (sic)."

Little is known of what happened in the ensuing months, however; Thibedeaux's last journal entry provides some clues: "I had fashioned a drinking cup from the skull of the former leader of the savages, his refusal to take the Sacrements left me no choice."

It would be nearly 100 years before the next white settlers would set foot in what would later be called Armageddon.

History

There are two accounts of the city's name Armageddon: First, is that the Bible describes Armageddon as being the "Home of God's Chosen People". It has also been suggested that it could be a Native American name meaning literally, "feast of woman's vagina," due to the two large lakes bordering the City.

Armageddon's mayor, Uriah Yoder, provides a different story: The name originated from the newly-built Armageddon Shopping Center in the middle of the city. "We were trying to get a separate post office for our community, and were advised that it would help our cause if the township board passed a resolution prohibiting minorities from living in the city."

Dining Capital of Broom County

In the News-Herald the mayor of Armageddon stated that Armageddon is the "Dining Capital of Broom County." For those with a gormet palette there are many diverse and delicious places to eat in Armageddon. It is home to several fine dining establishments, including: Cracker Barrel, Applebee's, Bob Evan's and even Pizza Hut. For those on a budget, you can also find an array of small Family owned Southern American restaurants serving wholesome, nutritious Southern American home cooking. Two local favorites are, Paw Paw's and Yoder's (Famous for it's Biscuits and Hot Dog gravy!). Armageddon is also the first city in Oklahoma with a Sonic Drive-Thru that opened in mid-May 1946.

Local Attractions

• The Bob Ross Museum of Fine Art is the largest attraction in Armageddon, with an estimated attendance of some 800,000 visitors annualy. Aside from being the second largest collection of Bob Ross Paintings in the world (The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands currently houses 27 Ross originals), one may also visit Bob's childhood home, also on the grounds of the museum. Bob Ross was a world renowned painter and author of The Joy of Painting an Autobiography.

• The Tubevillia Disaster Museum is another attraction you won't want to miss. Here the children can even feed a live Gypsy. Also on display are the track sections removed prior to the derailment of the Arkansas-Pacific train hauling the deadly Methyl Isocyanate through Tubevillia.

• The General Jefferson Pickering Monument is also worthwhile.

• Visitors are encouraged to attend services at the Armageddon Baptist Church (Pastor Stanley Carseet) , 1621 Luperon Rd., Sundays. Services at 9 and 11am. Stay for the food and fellowship.