Located in the Oklahoma Panhandle in Beaver County, Gate is
situated three miles west of the Harper-Beaver county line on
U.S. Highway 64. The town was platted in 1883 as Gate City and
finally established in 1886 as a post office. Once a part of the
cattleman's domain and home for "squatter" homesteaders in the
region, Gate City received its name because it was located close
to the gate of the drift fence built by the cattlemen. The
region was a paradise for thieves and outlaws until a vigilante
group was formed to protect the settlers' families and property.
As part of the region called No Man's Land, Gate became a part
of Oklahoma Territory with the passage of the Organic Act of
1890. In 1894 Gate City had several businesses and a star mail
route running to Beaver City. That year, the name was changed to
Gate. The community served a surrounding ranching and
agricultural economy. By 1910 Gate's citizens enjoyed a number
of commercial establishments, including a hotel, billiard
parlor, barber shop, grocery, h