Inherently, parks and recreational areas are sustainable. Other than keeping the grass to a manageable level, there is not a lot of maintenance. For the most part, parks tend to be a hands-off community amenity that require minimal maintenance… at least on the surface. When one delves deeper into the real cost of having a […]
Origins of Poteau’s Schools: Oklahoma’s First Free School
The Subscription Schools The origins of Poteau’s modern school system can be traced back to 1898. Before then, there were two “subscription” schools. The first dates back to around 1875. It was located near the intersection of College and Broadway and consisted of an old log house with dirt floors. The school was primitive by […]
A History of the Choctaw Country Club & Golf Course in Poteau
Golf Throughout the Ages Throughout recorded history, every civilization has played a game with a club and a ball. For example, Pangea, as described by Roman scribes, would appear to be the source of a precursor to modern hockey and the Celtic games of Shinty and Hurling. In one form or another, older varieties of […]
Desegregation in Oklahoma: The First School in Oklahoma to Be Integrated
Slavery, Freedmen, and Southeast Oklahoma The first black slaves began to arrive in what would become Oklahoma long before the American Civil War. They arrived during the push for westward migration. As the wild frontier began to dwindle, many white cotton farmers began to seek land in the American Southeast, primarily within the Mississippi River […]
Early Railroads of Southeast Oklahoma
Development of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad During the late 1800s, most long-distance travel was done through the railways. In Indian Territory, there were no railroad tracks laid until the 1880s. The first rail line in Indian Territory was the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railway Company (MK&T, or Katy). They ran a line […]
Stories of Old Oklahoma: Frontier Life in Poteau Switch
White Man’s View of Native Americans After Arriving in Poteau During the late 1800’s, Indian Territory began to see a huge influx of white settlers. Following the arrival of the railroad, transportation routes were opened up that brought in even more people. Many Native American’s opposed this as they saw it as the U.S. Government […]
Long Lake Resort: Southeast Oklahoma’s Hidden Gem
Long Lake Resort Lodging and Attractions Long Lake Resort is one of Oklahoma’s best-kept secrets and one of the most beautiful places in the southeastern part of the state. There’s a quiet tranquility here that soothes the soul with a touch of excitement that is sure to thrill the adventurous spirit. If you’re looking for […]
Frontier Life in Old Poteau Switch, Oklahoma
The Early Days of Poteau From the formation of the Indian Territory until Statehood, eastern Oklahoma was outlaw territory. Following the Civil War, many stories of outlaws, robberies, and other acts of violence were reported throughout the area. Much of this was contained by the Lighthorsemen, but these Native American law officers didn’t have authority […]
Outdoor Recreation in Southeast Oklahoma: Boating, Fishing, Hiking
The Mountain Gateway in southeast Oklahoma is the premier destination location for outdoor recreation. Centered around the tri-city area of Poteau, Wister, and Heavener, the Mountain Gateway is one of the most beautiful areas of the country. The rolling hills and tranquil lakes lead visitors on towards the Ouachita Mountains. During the outlaw days of […]
1st Lt. Clarence E. Coggins: Oklahoma’s Own War Hero
Who Was Clarence E. Coggins? Clarence Coggins was born in Poteau, Oklahoma on July 3, 1920. Growing up, he probably would have never dreamed that he would go on to become one of the nation’s most celebrated heroes. During World War II, he did exactly that. Before joining the war effort, Coggins’ dream was to […]