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Southwest Oklahoma was first organized by the State of Texas as Greer County in 1860. Greer County, Texas, encompassed the area south and west of the North Fork of the Red River, east of the 100th Meridian, and north of the Red River. Today, the same area comprises Beckham (south of the North Fork), Greer, Jackson, and Harmon counties in Oklahoma.

Texas maintained its northern and eastern boundaries with Indian/Oklahoma Territory followed the North Fork of the Red River. The United States insisted the boundary followed the Red River. According to the United States, Texas had no claim to the area organized as Greer County. A case was brought before the United States Supreme Court in 1890.

In 1896, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the United States. Subsequently, Greer County became a part of Oklahoma Territory. While settlers from the Texas period were allowed to stay, the remaining land was opened in accordance with the Homestead Act of 1862. At statehood in 1907, old Greer County divided into Beckham (south of the North Fork), Greer and Jackson counties. In 1909, Harmon county subdivided from Greer.

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Last reviewed: 2004-Jan-21