McAlester & Midleton — Sister Cities
A partnership rooted in shared history, built for shared futures.
Why Midleton?
A contingent of community partners, stakeholders, and citizens in McAlester, Oklahoma are working to establish a Sister City partnership with Midleton, Ireland. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to formalize and celebrate the bonds of friendship between two communities across the Atlantic — opening doors for cultural exchange, educational collaboration, tourism, and community projects that enrich both sides.
For McAlester, Midleton is a natural partner. Our community lies at the heart of the Choctaw Nation, whose act of extraordinary generosity toward Ireland during the Great Famine created a lasting bond of compassion and kinship. The Kindred Spirits sculpture in Midleton is a powerful reminder of this shared history, and we believe building a Sister City alliance is a meaningful way to carry that legacy forward.
The Choctaw–Irish Connection
In 1847, during Ireland’s Great Famine, the Choctaw Nation — a people who had endured their own devastating forced removal along the Trail of Tears only years earlier — gathered what resources they could and sent aid to the starving families of Ireland. Despite their own immense suffering and loss, the Choctaw people recognized a shared experience of displacement, hunger, and resilience, and responded with an act of generosity that transcended borders and cultures.
This gift was not forgotten. Nearly 170 years later, in 2017, the people of Midleton, County Cork, unveiled the Kindred Spirits sculpture — a stunning circle of nine stainless steel eagle feathers reaching toward the sky. The sculpture stands as a permanent tribute to the Choctaw Nation’s compassion and a symbol of the enduring bond between the Irish and Choctaw peoples.
Why This Matters for McAlester
McAlester, Oklahoma is located within the historic homeland and current reservation boundaries of the Choctaw Nation. The Choctaw Nation remains a foundational part of McAlester’s identity, operating healthcare, education, and economic development programs throughout the region.
This shared history creates a rare and meaningful opportunity for tri-cultural exchange among Irish, Native American, and American traditions — making a McAlester–Midleton partnership uniquely significant among Sister City relationships worldwide.
About McAlester
Nestled in the heart of southeast Oklahoma, McAlester is a vibrant and historic city known for its rich heritage, friendly people, and strong sense of community pride. As the county seat of Pittsburg County, McAlester offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and progressive growth.
At a Glance
Population: Approximately 18,000 in city limits; around 45,000 across the region
Location: Southeast Oklahoma, about 90 miles south of Tulsa and 120 miles north of Dallas, along U.S. Highway 69
Major Employers
- McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (U.S. Department of Defense)
- McAlester Regional Health Center
- City, County, and School government
- Oklahoma Department of Corrections
- Choctaw Nation
Education
- McAlester Public Schools — serves approximately 3,000 students
- Frink-Chambers School — regional K–8 district
- Eastern Oklahoma State College (McAlester Campus)
- Kiamichi Technology Center (McAlester Campus)
Culture & Community
- Choctaw Nation culture and heritage are a vibrant part of McAlester’s identity
- Two historic downtowns with thriving local businesses and a growing arts community
- 17 city parks offering recreation, sports, and community gatherings
- Home to the Dancing Rabbit Music Festival, Italian Festival, and seasonal community events
About Midleton
Midleton is a market town in East Cork, Ireland, known for its rich heritage, vibrant community life, and world-famous Jameson Distillery. Located about 20 kilometers east of Cork City, Midleton is the largest town in the East Cork region with a population of approximately 15,000.
Like McAlester, Midleton is a community that values its heritage while investing in modern growth. Music, storytelling, festivals, and strong civic engagement define daily life — values that closely mirror those of McAlester and the Choctaw Nation.
The Kindred Spirits sculpture, located in Bailick Park, has become one of Midleton’s most recognized landmarks and a powerful symbol of the town’s connection to the Choctaw people.
Cultural Celebrations
Events that honor both Choctaw and Irish traditions — festivals, music, dance, art, and food that bring our shared heritage to life.
School & Student Exchanges
Classroom exchanges, pen-pal programs, virtual learning, and study-abroad experiences that build friendships across the Atlantic and prepare future leaders.
Tourism Promotion
Joint marketing highlighting the historic ties between our communities — travel packages, cultural tourism events, and destination promotion that showcase each city’s unique attractions.
Community Projects
Art installations, environmental initiatives, historical preservation efforts, and community-driven events that give citizens in both cities tangible ways to connect and contribute.
Letters of Support
MAGIC’s Sister City initiative has received letters of support from key community leaders and organizations:
Stay Connected
Interested in following the McAlester–Midleton partnership? Sign up for updates on cultural exchanges, events, and partnership milestones.