Historical freedmen's town in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma
IXL (or I.X.L.) is an historical freedmen's town[1] in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma, United States.[2] While founded perhaps as early as 1900,[1] it was only incorporated in 2001[3] and had an estimated population of 59 in 2007.[4] The population was 59 at the time of the 2020 census.[5]
The source of IXL's unusual[6] name is disputed. A 2012 article on the town's website explained that the name derived from Indian Exchange Land, a reference to the town being on Mvskoke land.[7] Other sources claim that the letters were taken from the names of three men.[1][8] Some people think it’s an onomatopoeic boast suggesting "I excel."[9]
This town should not be confused with Oklahoma towns in Kay County and Tillman County which also bears the "IXL" name.[1] Around 1926, Julius Rosenwald Fund provided a grant in the amount of $1,100 for the community to build a school building for the IXL District 12. The school was segregated for grades one through eight.[1]
Demographics
As of 2024, the population for IXL was 59. 56.67% of residents were Black or African American, 20% were two or more races, 16.67% were Native American, and 6.67% of residents were white. [10]
^"Boundary Changes". Geographic Change Notes: Oklahoma. Population Division, United States Census Bureau. May 19, 2006. Archived from the original on February 6, 2006. Retrieved July 13, 2008.