Keota began in the early 1900’s as a tent town-trading post. Some say the name Keota comes from the Indian word “Keota”, meaning “fire gone out.” Others say the town was named after Jim Keese, a prominent rancher, who owned Otter Creek. It was first called KeeOtter and later changed to Keota.

In 1903 Al Jennings and Chad Sewell laid out the streets and staked lots. Major W. C. Wells founded the town in 1904, when the Midland Valley Railroad came through Keota. There were only a few houses in Keota at that time, but people soon moved in and lived in tents until they could build.

Keota was incorporated in 1911 and the first municipal officers were elected. They were: Municipal Justice-C. E. Price, Treasurer-H. D. Price, Marshall-F. M Simmons, Aldermen -J. F. Price, J. W. Robinson, M. Campbell, T. D. Smith and W. C. Sewell.

The general merchandising firm of Switzer and Muncy was the first business in Keota, starting here around 1900. L. D. Ragan Mercantile was also one of the first businesses. The store was destroyed by fire in 1930. Robinson Mercantile Co. started business at the West end of Keota.

Cotton was one of the best profit makers for the Keota farmers because of the good, rich river bottom land, and there were two cotton gins in the Keota area. Cotton remained the number one resource in the area until the late 1950’s, when the farm bottom lands were covered with the lakes.

Coal mining was also a thriving industry in the Keota Area for many years. In recent years many people have started greyhound kennels in the area. It is rumored that there are more kennels in the Keota area than anywhere in the United States.

Over the years the industry and businesses of Keota have changed. Many people have come and gone, but one thing will always remain the same. We are proud of our town and Keota is still a great place to live.