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In 1886, a town called Frazer was established approximately three miles southwest of present-day Altus. It took its name from the Frazer River, now known as the Salt Fork of the Red River.

Cowboys from neighboring ranches called Frazer "Buttermilk Station." At the McClearen farm, they enjoyed tall glasses of buttermilk. The milk was kept cool in a container covered with a damp cloth (evaporative cooling), stowed in a hole near the well.

In 1895, a sudden downpour caused the Salt Fork to overflow its banks. The water rushed toward Bitter Creek. Frazer, situated between the Salt Fork and Bitter Creek, flooded. After the storm, the residents decided to move their community. W R Baucum, who had come from Altus, Arkansas,* suggested a different name. He knew that "Altus" was derived from Latin and meant "high." It seemed appropriate for a town moved to higher ground because of flooding.

From July 10th, 1901, until May 14th, 1904, Altus was known as "Leger." At the turn of the century, railroads were building into Southwest Oklahoma. A town without a railroad faced certain doom. When the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway Company offered its services to the citizens of Altus, it asked for a $50,000 "bonus," title to one-half of the town lots, and that "Altus" be renamed "Leger" (after the father of the construction agent's wife). Altus grudgingly obliged. Ironically, the Frisco entered Leger before the Orient. Eventually Leger, emboldened by the presence of four other rail lines, resumed its former name, "Altus."

*Altus, Arkansas, was the highest point on the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad Line, completed in 1875.

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Last reviewed: 2004-Jan-21