Wetumka, Oklahoma  Wetumka is a city in northern Hughes County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 1,282 at the 2010 census, a decline of 11.7 percent from 1,451 at the 2000 census. The town was named for a Creek town of Wetumpka in Alabama, which the Creeks were forced to leave during the Indian Removal. "Wetumka" is a Muscogee Creek word meaning "tumbling water." It is the headquarters for two federally recognized tribes, the Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town and the Kialegee Tribal Town. It is the home of the Sucker Day, held every year on the last Saturday in September. The St. Louis, Oklahoma and Southern Railway built a line from Sapulpa, Oklahoma through Wetumka to the Red River in 1900-1901. Wetumka prospered as a major shipping point for cotton, corn, pecans, and livestock produced by farmers in the surrounding area. By 1909, the community had three banks, two cotton gins, three blacksmith shops, two liveries, and a tin shop. Early-day newspapers included the "Wetumka News-Herald", the "Wetumka News", the "Wetumka Herald", and the "Wetumka Gazette". A two-story building constructed in 1912 housed the city hall and the Masonic Lodge. By 1918, four cotton gins, a mill and elevator, a wagonyard, an ice company, and a water and light company had joined the list of businesses open in Wetumka. The 1920 census reported that the population had jumped from 231 in 1910 to 1422 in 1920. Growth would continue through 1950 before starting a long-term decline that has lasted through the 2010 census. The Wetumka oil field opened in 1919. A crowd of oil workers poured into town. The "Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture" estimates the number of temporary workers brought the total city population to about four thousand. However, the 1920 census does not support this number. There was sufficient activity to cause the railroad to build a large freight warehouse in April 1925. A three story hotel opened in June of that year. The city busied itself paving the streets and adding three rooms to the school building. Perhaps the most significant sign of growth was that the citizens petitioned Governor Jack C. Walton to designate Wetumka as a city of the "first class". Walton signed the proclamation on May 21, 1923, and the city held an election on June 26, 1925 for a mayor, a city marshal, and council members.