National Register Listing

Overstreet House

NE of Cowlington off U.S. 59, Cowlington, OK
Local significance of the building:
Agriculture; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Oklahoma.
The first Native American astronaut, John Herrington, is a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. Herrington flew on the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2002.
Oklahoma random facts
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.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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