Le Flore County, Oklahoma
Arkoma School
Choctaw Agency
Conser, Peter, House
Dog Creek School
Hotel Lowrey
Jenson Tunnel
LeFlore County Courthouse
Old City Hall, Theater and Masonic Lodge
Old Military Road
Overstreet House
Poteau Community Building
Poteau School Gymnasium-Auditorium
Reynolds, James E., House
Shady Point School
Skullyville County Jail
Summerfield School
Terry House
Trahern's Station
Tucker School
Twyman Park
Williams School
A Settling Experience
B-29 Crash Near Talihina
Battle of Backbone Mountain
Chief Mosholatubbee
Choctaw Agency
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
Cut Out and Get Out!
Emerald Vista
First Military Road
Fort Coffee
Ft. Smith -- Ft. Towson Military Road
Horsethief Spring
Lenox Mission
Life at Stapp
Mammoth Changes
Military Road of 1832
Old Lenox Mission
On a Clear Day
Outside the Law In Indian Territory
Skullyville
Skullyville (Choctaw National Cemetery)
The Choctaw Nation
U.S. Highway 259
Where There is Water There Will Be People
The area's first European settlers arrived in the 1830s, primarily as a result of the forced removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands. It wasn't until the late 1800s that Le Flore County experienced significant growth and development, thanks in large part to the arrival of railroads. The Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad (later the Kansas City Southern) brought new opportunities and access to markets, spurring the growth of towns like Poteau, Spiro, and Wister.
Le Flore County played a significant role in the expansion of coal mining in Oklahoma. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coal mines were established throughout the county, attracting workers from across the region. The coal industry brought economic prosperity to the area and helped fuel the development of nearby towns.
In the modern era, Le Flore County has diversified its economy beyond mining. Agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism have become important industries. With its abundant natural beauty, including the Ouachita Mountains and the scenic Talimena Scenic Byway, the county has attracted visitors seeking outdoor recreation and relaxation. Today, Le Flore County continues to embrace its historical roots while striving for a prosperous and sustainable future.
Brief timeline of the history of Le Flore County, Oklahoma:
- 1824 - Le Flore County area becomes part of Arkansas Territory
- 1832 - Choctaw Nation establishes jurisdiction over the area
- 1834 - Bennington becomes the first settlement in the area
- 1860 - Civil War begins, impacting the region
- 1870 - Le Flore County is officially formed, named after a Choctaw chief
- 1900 - Railroad reaches the area, aiding growth and development
- 1930 - Great Depression causes economic struggles for the county
- 1941 - United States enters World War II, affecting the county
- 1948 - Wister Lake and Dam completed, providing recreational opportunities
- 1973 - Kiamichi Mountains Wildlife Management Area established
- 1996 - Poteau River Bridge, a historic landmark, is added to the National Register of Historic Places
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Le Flore County, Oklahoma.