Progressive Poteau Since Poteau was first established, historically, it’s been known as a very progressive and vibrant city. During the late 1800s, many notorious outlaws and famous U.S. Marshals visited the early town. Those included people such as Belle Starr and Ed “Coon” Ratterree. In the 1910s, Poteau was one of the only towns in […]
Category: History
Historical stories and facts
Robert S. Kerr’s “Forgotten” history
From 1926 until 1963, Senator Robert S. Kerr was a force to be reckoned with. Most people know him as an oil baron, partner with the Kerr-McGee Oil Industries, Inc. Others know him as a prominent political figure, moving and shaking things across the country with the likes of President John F. Kennedy. However, there’s […]
Fort Coffee: How an Old Fort Helped Shape Southeastern Oklahoma
The U.S. Army’s Presence in Indian Territory Just past the Arkansas border in old Indian Territory, an old military fort existed high on top of a rocky outcropping that overlooked the Arkansas River. Starting in 1816, the U.S. Army established quite a number of these forts in Oklahoma. At this time, the army was not […]
The Terry House on the Hill, or the Doc Woodson Home in Poteau, Oklahoma
The story of the House on Terry Hill, also known as the Woodson Home, begins when Oklahoma was still Indian Territory. George W. Terry, a prominent Poteau businessman and civic leader, was also a romantic. Nearly every day, George would get his exercise by hiking up Cavanal Mountain. It was during one of these hikes […]
The George W. Terry Building in Historic Downtown Poteau
Historic Downtown Poteau can boast of having two Mesker buildings. The Angry Mullet, a newly formed coffee shop and cafe, occupies one of the best preserved Mesker buildings in the area. While the facade is an important part of the building, the history surrounding it speaks volumes about Poteau’s early role in the region. The […]
The Victory Theater in Pictures; Poteau Oklahoma
Theater Origins in Poteau In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, there was a number of entertainment options in Downtown Poteau, Oklahoma. The first theater in Poteau was very Shakespearean in style. Called the Air Dome Theater, this was an open air theater that drew in people from miles around. Besides theaters, Poteau also had […]
Heckabbe’s Station: A forgotten stage stop?
Boggy Depot, Doaksville, Skullyville, Colbert’s Ferry; these are all place names easily associated with Oklahoma’s early history. There are a number of tales of the old Butterfield Overland Mail company and of the trepidatious cattle drives. Still, some stories from that era remain lost in time. One such story is the tale of Heckabbe’s Station […]
Oklahoma during World War I; with emphasis on LeFlore County
The Early Years Since war in Europe broke out in 1914, most Oklahoman’s viewed the conflict with an extreme lack of interest. While this was major news, it was considered to be too far away to be of much importance. This indifference to the war became evident when the U.S. Congress passed the Selective Service […]
Exploring History: Historic Photographs of Shawnee, Oklahoma
The History of Shawnee, Oklahoma The history of the town of Shawnee, Oklahoma, has its origins long before statehood. First settled before the American Civil War, the area was first populated by members of the Sac and Fox tribe during the Indian Removals. Later, they were followed by the Shawnee, Kickapoo, and Pottawatomie Indians. Since the […]
The LeFlore County Historical Museum
LeFlore County, in Southeastern Oklahoma, was once known as one of the most wild and rugged places in the country. During the fourteenth century, a massive ancient Indian empire stretched from parts of eastern Oklahoma to the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the mound builders, The Caddo Indian built massive earthworks that supported entire cities. Today, […]