Fort Coffee
Historical marker location:
2001 E Broadway St, Spiro, Oklahoma
( Marker is on State Highway 9, 0.2 miles west of Daisy Lane (County Route N4735), on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1995
Named in honor of General John Coffee of Tennessee, Fort Coffee was established by the 7th Infantry on June 16, 1834, on the southern bank of the Arkansas River. Because of relative peace in the area, the fort was abandoned four years later. In 1842, the Choctaw Council established the Fort Coffee Academy for boys. Confederate forces used the barracks during the Civil War. However, Federal troops overran the post in October of 1863 and burned the main buildings
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Oklahoma is the only state in the United States whose name is derived from a Native American word. "Oklahoma" comes from the Choctaw words "okla" and "humma", which together mean "red people."
About Le Flore County
Le Flore County Timeline
Le Flore County, Oklahoma, named after a prominent Choctaw family, has a rich and varied history. Before European settlement, the area was home to several Native American tribes, including the Choctaw, Cherokee, and Osage. Le Flore County was part of the expansive Choctaw Nation until the mid-19th century, when land treaties and the Indian Removal Act forced the Native American tribes to cede their land to the United States government.
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.
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.
Le Flore County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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