Pittsburg County was created at statehood from Tobucksy County in the Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory. The new county took its name from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Perryville, which no longer exists, was the place in Tobucksy County that court was held and elections were designated to take place. It was located a few miles south of present-day McAlester and was also an important military post and depot for Confederate forces. In September of 1863, Perryville was burned to the ground by Union troops.
The largest city and the county seat of Pittsburg County is McAlester, which was originally developed as a rail center for the coal mining industry. Today, it is also the site of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.

Agriculture is an important factor in the present-day economy of Pittsburg County. Peanuts, cotton, wheat, oats, and soybeans are among the major crops grown. McAlester Union Stockyard, which is one of the largest in the Southwest, and a large Army Ammunition Plant are also vital to the county. Krebs is the largest Italian community in Oklahoma and is known for its fine food.

Annual events include the Italian Festival in McAlester during May, the Ethnic Festival in Krebs during September, and the Prison Rodeo held in McAlester in September.

Location: Pittsburg County is in southeastern Oklahoma.

Climate: The average precipitation is 57.0 inches yearly in this area. January's average temperature is 41.4 and July's average is 80.0.

County Seat: McAlester

Distances: McAlester to: Muskogee - 64 miles and Tulsa - 106 miles.

Land Area: 1,377 square miles of hills and valleys in the north and mountains in the south