Canadian county is located in central Oklahoma just west of Oklahoma City with El Reno serving as the county seat.
Two of the states major waterways, the North Canadian River and the Canadian River, pass through the county in a southeasterly direction and provide the basis for outdoor recreation. In addition, Interstate 40 and old Route 66 pass through the middle section of the county.
Several historic sites dot the county including Sand Hills, site of the last great Indian fight in Oklahoma, Caddo Springs (presently known as Concho), a favorite camping place for both Indians and freighters in the early days due to abundance of the sparkling cold water, Fort Reno established in February, 1876 and the Chisholm Trail, used by cattlemen to get their herds to the livestock yards of Kansas. It is estimated that 2 million cattle used the trail prior to the establishment of the railroads.
The county population on July 1, 1999, was 86,498, an increase of 12,089 over the 1990 census.