McAlester: the Capital of Little Dixie
Unknown Author
For most of Ryan's formative years in this timeline, there will be a primary focus on McAlester, Oklahoma,
Added 18 Oct
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The song "Dixie" was the composed by Daniel Decatur Emmett and acted as an unofficial anthem for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. Union Dixie is a version by the north that mocks the Confederacy, saying that they are "traitors," overrun by "rattlesnakes and alligators" and asserting that the Union will be victorious, and "each Dixie boy must understand that he must mind his Uncle Sam." This version is performed by Tennessee Ernie Ford.
"The general store was an immediate success, but J. J. McAlester recognized an even greater opportunity in the abundance of coal deposits in the area, and he began obtaining rights to the coal deposits from the Choctaws anticipating the impending construction of a rail line through Indian Territory."

"In 1872 J. J. McAlester married Rebecca Burney, the daughter of a prominent Chickasaw family, allowing him citizenship in the nation. This enabled him to acquire control over the area's valuable coal claims."
"The thriving little community of McAlester quickly developed, with a drugstore, hotel, livery stable, and at least three other retail stores. The 1890 population stood at three thousand residents."
"Most of the original workers were of British extraction from the mines of Pennsylvania, but they were insufficient in number, so many more were imported from Europe."
"Mining was not entirely responsible for the development of McAlester. A fertile area for farming and ranching surrounded the town, with cotton being the principle cash crop."
"McAlester early developed a reputation for being a strongly Masonic town, particularly before and after World War I."
"The Scottish Rite Consistory dedicated its temple in 1907 and enlarged it in 1930, and it became one of McAlester's show places listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NR 80004521). In addition, in 1922 the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls was organized in McAlester, the location of its Supreme Temple."
"... the United States Congress passed an Act joining the two communities as a single municipality, the action being required since the towns were under Federal jurisdiction in Indian Territory. The separate entities of McAlester and South McAlester were combined under the single name McAlester with office-holders of South McAlester as officials of the single town."
"Designation as a single community by the United States Post Office came on July 1, 1907, nearly five months before Oklahoma Statehood, which caused a redrawing of county lines and designations and the majority of Tobucksy County fell within the new lines of Pittsburg County."

Bank robber David Koontz, horse thief China Reed and Tom Lane, convicted of forgery, drew a weapon on J.W. Martin and demanded he open an inner gate near the prison storeroom. It was unclear how Koontz had acquired the Smith and Wesson six shooter he held in Martin’s face. Most believed, at the time, that an accomplice had smuggled the weapon to him.

"The boll weevil almost completely destroyed cotton production, and by 1920 the railroads were converting to the use of oil as fuel for their locomotives, which almost destroyed the market for coal. That, together with the Great Depression, stalled McAlester's growth, and it did not see a large population spurt until World War II."

Fast forward to the lead-up to statehood in 1907. Indian Territory — eastern Oklahoma — petitions to be its own state, called Sequoyah, and is denied, in part because Sequoyah would be a solidly Democratic state.

"... two large government projects strained the town's housing capacity. A prisoner-of-war (POW) camp was built adjacent to the northern city limits, and a huge U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot was constructed just a few miles south of town."
"The POW camp housed three thousand German prisoners for three years."
"The Naval Ammunition Depot, changed to the U.S. Army Ammunition Plant in 1977..."

"The downtown area was transformed in the 1960s and 1970s under the twin federal programs of Urban Renewal and Model Cities."
"Two widely known annual events exclusive to McAlester are the Italian Festival on the weekend before Memorial Day, and the "behind the walls" prison rodeo on the weekend before Labor Day."
"... a large Miners Monument at Chadick Park is a fitting tribute to the industry that founded the town and a memorial to those miners who lost their lives in the hazardous occupation of coal mining. At the end of the twentieth century the town had fifteen properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places, including the Mass Grave of Mexican Miners in Mount Calvary Cemetery (NR 80003297)."


"In March 1974 inmate Bobby Battle, an African American, won a lawsuit against Warden Park J. Anderson and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for alleged cruelty and discrimination. U.S. District Court Judge Luther Bohanon ruled in favor of Battle and subsequently handed down a written opinion listing forty-three orders to corrections officials concerning minimum standards for the prisoners' medical care, housing, and safety. Despite changes in prison conditions, another riot occurred at the Oklahoma State Prison in December 1985."

"McAlester has two birth dates."

As of 2025, McAlester has at least 60 churches within city limits.


Executive Director of Oklahoma Achieves from May 2019 to May 2020
History Teacher (years unlisted)
Chief Executive Officer of Every Kid Counts Oklahoma from May 2020 - Present
Bachelor's Degree, History from 2006-2010
Okla. church makes nat’l hate group list
“Tom Vineyard, for instance, made the claim that 33 percent of child molesters in this country are gay. That is a flat out falsehood.” said Potok. “And if the man knew how to do any research, or perhaps even read a bit. He would know that that is a lie. Let me say that again. That is a lie. It is untrue and it has the effect of demonizing, in one of the most remarkable ways you can do that in this society, an entire group of human beings.”


"He would be leaving soon to become the Executive Director of Oklahoma Achieves, a nonprofit education initiative in Oklahoma City."
"He believes his new position will allow him to help more students."
"Oklahoma Achieves is a nonprofit founded by the Oklahoma State Chamber that focuses on involving businesses in education. The program was formerly known as the Oklahoma Educated Workforce Initiative and builds business coalitions to improve education across the state."
"Walters said the group will collect data from schools across the state... ...He plans to use that information to broaden the conversation about certain education policies and work with legislatures, Governor Kevin Stitt's office, schools, business leaders, and more."
"Ryan Walters is a committed educator who has dedicated his life to moving the needle in educational outcomes for all Oklahoma students and to supporting his fellow teachers," said Gov. Stitt. "His perspective as a public school teacher, and his leadership experience as the CEO of Every Kid Counts Oklahoma, will be invaluable as we continue to work toward Top Ten results in education."
"Ryan Walters has been a highly respected teacher committed to his students and their success. Our collaboration with Ryan began in 2016, when he was named an Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist, and has continued through his membership on my Teacher Advisory Council. He is a great choice, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership in his new role as Secretary of Education during this important time of continued service." – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister
"Ryan is an excellent choice to serve as Governor Stitt’s Secretary of Education. He is a remarkable classroom teacher that has a heart for kids and improving educational outcomes for all students across the state. I have had the privilege to work with him on numerous educational initiatives over the past few years, and I’m excited to continue our work together to lead Oklahoma to become “Top Ten” in education." – Representative Rhonda Baker (R-Yukon)
"Ryan is one of the most remarkable educators to have served students at McAlester Public Schools, and I am excited about his nomination to join Governor Stitt’s cabinet as Secretary of Education. Ryan’s commitment to excellence in the classroom translates into his passion for achieving excellence in education across our state. Ryan has also committed to empowering teachers throughout his career and ensuring educators have their voices heard when it comes to how Oklahoma students would benefit most from their education. We are proud to have Ryan as a longstanding member of the McAlester Public Schools family; as a student and as a teacher, Ryan has set a standard for McAlester Buffaloes for generations to come!"
– Randy Hughes, McAlester Public Schools Superintendent
"Ryan is an energetic and innovative educator who is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure his students have access to the best opportunities as part of their educational journeys. Ryan taught at Millwood Public Schools last year – and continues to do so virtually this year, ensuring that students at Millwood have access to Advanced Placement curriculum. Though this school year has looked a bit different than years past, Ryan has provided a significant opportunity for his students to continue to learn. He’s ensuring every single one of our students is ready to move forward in their education regardless of the unprecedented circumstances this school year has presented. I’m excited for Ryan to bring his enthusiasm and willingness to innovate into his new role as Secretary of Education." – Cecilia Robinson-Woods, Superintendent of Millwood Public Schools
"I was pleased to hear about Ryan’s nomination to become Secretary of Education under Governor Stitt. For years, Ryan has served Oklahoma students as a teacher and as a leader in pushing for excellence in Oklahoma education. Through his work at Oklahoma Achieves, and more recently at EKCO, Ryan shared his passion to connect Oklahoma students with resources and support from all aspects of our state, and by empowering business leaders and teachers who play a role in ensuring all students have access to excellent education. I know he will continue to bring this level of enthusiasm into his new role and look forward to seeing significant progress in our state thanks to his commitment to excellence and to the Governor’s goal to make Oklahoma a Top Ten state." – Chad Warmington CEO and President of the State Chamber of Oklahoma


"I’ve been behind the walls at Lansing many times doing research. Built by President Abraham Lincoln, the prison is laid out on 2,314 acres and many of the cell blocks still in use actually date back to the Civil War era. The ethnic makeup of the prisoners usually runs around 54% Caucasian, 36% African American, 5% Asian, 2% Indian and 3% “other.” Although I haven’t been there for a few years..."


Walters, 37, has become an increasingly controversial figure in Oklahoma politics with his culture-war platform, skepticism toward federal education funding and support for private-school vouchers. His consistent messaging against “left-wing indoctrination” and transgender identities caused some to brand him divisive and extreme.


"Some Oklahoma lawmakers say State Superintendent Ryan Walters emailed them pornographic material, claiming this is what's available in our schools."
"Rep. McBride says Walters emailed about 10 pornographic images to him and other lawmakers without sharing any details about which schools have that material."
"Rep. McBride asked Walters to attend Thursday's house appropriations and budget education subcommittee meeting, and present the evidence of pornography in public schools. But, Fox 25 is told that Walters said he couldn't make it."



It’s not just Proud Boys that Moms for Liberty has allegedly gotten involved with, however. A VICE News investigation has uncovered links between numerous Moms for Liberty chapters and extremist groups like the Proud Boys, Three Percenters, sovereign citizen groups, QAnon conspiracist, Christian nationalists, and in one case, with the founder of the AK-47-worshiping Rod of Iron Ministries church in Pennsylvania. Around the country, Moms for Liberty has formed links with extremist groups and militias, which are joining forces with the “parental rights” group at protests and school board meetings, and in turn pushing the already far-right organization toward even more extreme ideology.
And in Pike County, Pennsylvania, the local Moms for Liberty chapter has close ties to another extremist group: The Rod of Iron Ministries, the MAGA-loving religious sect that worships with AR-15s, whose leader was tear gassed during the Capitol riot, and which has close ties to multiple other far-right and Christian nationalist groups.





After the rally, Walters said “religious liberties” means people in public schools may exercise any faith freely but defended Ashley’s actions. He also said atheism “is the de facto religion” of Oklahoma public schools, and claimed faith is under attack.
The rally itself was contentious — before and during the speeches, protesters and supporters yelled at each other. A protester blared a siren over Ashley as she prayed to open the rally. Another threatened to press charges against a supporter who touched her.
During his speech, state Senator Dana Prieto said “a lot of people wet their Huggies” after Ashley prayed at the graduation.
“I can see some people here who are wetting their Huggies,” Prieto said to the crowd.
“Unfortunately, it’s not just woke mobs out here at rallies, but you also have a woke mob at Tulsa Public Schools,” Walters told the crowd at the rally.
Several clergy of other faiths were present at the rally in protest. The protesters referenced them as they chanted over the speakers.

In January, Governor Kevin Stitt reappointed now State Superintendent Ryan Walters as Education Secretary until 2027.
However, his appointment was never confirmed by the Senate and the Oklahoma Attorney General said Walters could not hold the Secretary of Education position while also being State Superintendent.
So, Gov. Stitt appointed Dr. Katherine Curry as the new Secretary of Education in April.









McAlester, Oklahoma had shut this down

Told ABC News, “we’re not going to lie to students. And we’re not going to push a gender ideology.”














But even before taking office as state superintendent in January 2023, Walters began exhibiting the worst behaviors of a teacher. These behaviors can generally be described as negative and anti-student. They are the kind of behaviors that either cause teachers to quit or get teachers fired. They are behaviors that are counter-effective to creating the healthy teacher-student relationships that foster learning.



The federal government has hijacked our education system, using taxpayer dollars to impose harmful policies and control what is taught in our schools. This memo addresses five major areas where eliminating the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and moving to block grants would restore authority to states, allowing communities—not Washington bureaucrats—to decide what is best for their children.
- 1. Championing Parents’ Rights: The Biden administration labeled parents as threats and tried to silence their concerns. States, when restored control, will ensure parents’ voices are not just heard but respected.
- 2. Ending Social Indoctrination in Classrooms: Federal funds have been used to force radical agendas, like promoting boys in girls' sports and pushing divisive gender and racial ideologies. With block grants, states can reject these mandates and focus on real education over propaganda.
- 3. Protecting Patriotism in Curriculum: Schools are pressured to teach books that undermine American values and ignore the truth about American history. By removing federal overreach, states can make sure students learn a patriotic curriculum that respects our country and honors our shared heritage.
- 4. Stopping Illegal Immigration’s Impact on Schools: Open border policies flood schools with unregulated demands, stretching resources meant for American kids. States, free from federal overreach, could manage these impacts in ways that protect classrooms and prioritize their communities.
- 5. Blocking Foreign Influence in Our Schools: Federal policies tie funding to outside agendas, allowing China and other adversaries to infiltrate our education system. Without federal strings, states could reject foreign interference and ensure schools promote only American values.
As we prepare for important and impactful changes to public education policy in the coming months, the Oklahoma State Department of Education will be directing agency resources to ensure the above priorities are championed and that Oklahoma schools are equipped to smoothly adapt while maintaining the highest standards of education for our students.





"They will no longer be harassed into joining an organization that is laser-focused on breaking up the moral fiber of America. We've been clear that we're not going to tolerate distractions to education like CRT, DEI, gender ideology, and antisemitism in our classrooms."
"There's new leadership in the White House and we're going to make education great again with the help of the Freedom Foundation and Secretary McMahon." added Walters.




President Donald Trump’s Education Secretary Linda McMahon didn’t want Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters anywhere near her when she toured a charter school in Oklahoma City this week.
The move followed Walters’s false claim that the Trump administration had approved his plan to eliminate statewide end-of-year testing. On a right-wing outlet earlier this month, Walters bragged, “We went to the Trump administration and they said they were all for it,” Notus reports.
That wasn’t true. McMahon publicly corrected him, telling reporters the waiver “has not gone through all the different steps that it needs to.” Asked whether she’d meet Walters during her visit, she shot back: “I don’t believe that’s on my schedule today.”













He once called Oklahoma’s teachers union a “terrorist organization.” Now state Superintendent Ryan Walters is threatening to “destroy” teachers unions nationwide.
Walters announced his resignation Wednesday night to become CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, an anti-union initiative of the Freedom Foundation, a conservative think tank.
Even before his election in 2022, Walters singled out teachers he considered too “woke” for Oklahoma schools. Once in office, he moved quickly to revoke the teaching certificates of educators accused of violating laws against so-called “divisive concepts.”
As recently as this week, he announced that every high school in Oklahoma would have a chapter of Turning Point USA, the youth-focused conservative organization Charlie Kirk founded in 2012. Most of the Wednesday’s Fox news show Walters joined focused on the growth of the organization since Kirk was killed Sept. 10 in Utah.

Superintendent has become known for his relentless fight against “woke ideology.” Former students call his transformation dizzying.





























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