Created at statehood, this south central county, Pontotoc, has a Chickasaw name meaning "cat tails growing on the prairie." The county was named after the original home of the Chickasaw Indians in Mississippi. The area, which is a blend of agriculture and industry, was originally developed by the early-day railroads. today, a large-scale cattle industry is responsible for the county's nickname, "Hereford Heaven," but Quarterhorse and Arabian horse sales also attract buyers from across the United States. Pontotoc County's rich natural resources of limestone, shale, silica, sand and clay have attracted manufacturers of glass, cement and brick. Underground springs from the Arbuckle Uplift furnish an abundant pure water supply and the county is the hub of some of Oklahoma's richest oil production. Points of interest in the county include the log cabin in which the late Senator Robert S. Kerr was born, and the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory, specializing in water research. History of Pontotoc County gives a written account of the area's history. Location: Pontotoc County is in southern Oklahoma. Climate: The average precipitation is 45.8 inches yearly in this area. January's average temperature is 42.4 and July's average is 80.6. County Seat: Ada Distances: Ada to: Ardmore - 65 miles Oklahoma City - 84 miles Land Area: 725 square miles of level plains with some rolling hills, three major streams and an underground spring