Eastern Oklahoma State College is located in Wilburton, Oklahoma, the county seat of Latimer County, population 3,033. Wilburton is in the heart of a beautiful valley between the Sans Bois and Winding Stair Mountain Ranges.

Forest–covered mountains and numerous mountains streams, plus nearby Robbers Cave State Park, provide a great out–of–doors playground for swimming, fishing, hunting, picnicking, and sight–seeing at any time of the year.

The history of this area began before statehood, while still Indian Territory. Shortly after the Civil War, outlaws including Belle Starr, Cole Younger, and the James Brothers used the area of sandstone cliffs and natural corrals north of Wilburton as hideouts from the long arm of the law.

Today this area is known as Robber’s Cave State Park and the vicinity still begs for exploration. Facilities offered include cabins and campsites (primitive to modern) including a large area designated for the use of those who bring their equine friends and plan to explore the trials by horseback. Water recreation is available at two lakes nestled in the hills of the park and in Fourche Maline Creek below Lake Carlton Dam. A trout program allows exciting fishing and possible profit by entering one of the several Trout Derbies held during the season. Other activities include miniature golf, hiking on marked nature trains, programs conducted by the naturalist, and a tour of the historic Bath House, built many years ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that now houses a nature center and gift shop.

The third week of October brings over 100,000 visitors to attend the Robber’s Cave State Park Fall Festival. This three–day event offers arts and crafts booths, one of the largest car shows in Oklahoma (with over 500 entries in 1999), carnival rides, talent shows, entertainment, food, pageants, a parade, and just good family fun. On Friday night, many enjoy a preview of Saturday’s car show and other entries during the Fall Festival parade on Main Street. On Saturday, many participate in the Chamber of Commerce Auction, made up of new and used items donated by local businesses for the benefit of the Chamber. Transportation from the business district to the park is available free of charge on Saturday.

Magic Wheels Just for Fun Ride, the second weekend of August, brings hundreds of uniquely customized motorcycles the opportunity to enjoy a parade and street dance sponsored by the Wilburton Police Department.

The area’s rich coal deposits and the resultant mining operations gave birth to the School of Mines and Metallurgy that opened in 1908 and over the years evolved into Eastern Oklahoma State College. This fully accredited two–year college grants associates degrees in more than 50 disciplines and has eight one–year certificate programs with outreach classes in many locations in the southeastern part of the state. The campus is home to the Oklahoma Mining Training Institute, reopened in 1988, and the Oklahoma Department of Correction Officer Training Facility that offers DOC employees continuing education.

The Miners Museum on Highway 270 East displays a typical miner’s home, along with furnishings and mining equipment. Prior arrangements must be made to tour this facility.

Wilburton High School Alumni Association, the oldest active alumni association for public high schools, celebrated its 93st reunion during Easter weekend, 2005.