This is one of those maps that I've been reluctant to share previously, but I think that now's a good time!
This map is an official U.S. Geological Survey done in 1897 and shows not only the topographical features of the area but also shows the major transportation routes and where buildings were located. It is said that the surveyors used a metal tape measure and long posts in order to ensure accuracy, so this is one of the few maps that exist that can really be trusted.
This map is an official U.S. Geological Survey done in 1897 and shows not only the topographical features of the area but also shows the major transportation routes and where buildings were located. It is said that the surveyors used a metal tape measure and long posts in order to ensure accuracy, so this is one of the few maps that exist that can really be trusted.
Now that The Birth of Poteau has been published, I thought that this may give an insight into what tools that I used to plot out the early history of Poteau. By combining different pieces of information and sorting out what is myth and what is truth, then it is possible to create an accurate picture.
I'll take a moment to explain a few things on this map..
The first thing that I want to point out is Cavanal Hill. During the late 1800s, this was a thriving place! Witteville had a huge coal-mining operation here, which is fairly common knowledge. However, did you know that Walter Beard had a famous resort and spa located on top of the hill as well? It is believed that the black dot located at the center of the hill was the location for this resort. People from miles around would come and stay here to admire the breathtaking scenery.
Further down the hill, just above Witteville, there was a large logging operation. In The Birth of Poteau, there are a few stories that center around this logging camp. Since there wasn't any permanent structures built, no indication of it exists on the map. However, we were able to track it's location down from several different sources. While this road appears solid on the map, it was, in fact, a treacherous ride, especially on horseback or with a team of mules hauling lumber. On one side was a deep ravine. One of the old stories that we've collected tells of a horrific accident that happened when a mule slipped and sent the entire team - man, mules, and logs, over the side.
It may be hard to see in this map, but the next interesting thing to point out is the growth on the west side of the tracks. During this time, very little existed along Dewey Avenue - mostly farms and homes. In fact, the large white (brown?) space towards the northeast of Dewey was a large cotton plantation owned by Benjamin H. Harper. The true town of Poteau Switch, as it was officially called back then, was on the west side of the Frisco tracks. "Railroad Avenue", now the highway (Broadway, or Front Street) was the main road through Poteau going from north to south. From east to west, the main road was College Avenue, followed by Beard. In this map, you can see College Ave extending up towards Witteville. One of Poteau's earliest schools was located towards the "end" of this road in Poteau, which would be just slightly above and to the left of the letter "S" in "San". In The Birth of Poteau, I have included a map towards the back of the book that has each of these buildings labeled.
Next, take a look at the way the railroads were laid out. During the late 1800s/early 1900s, Poteau was considered one of the largest "railroad towns" in the area. At one point, there was actually six separate tracks that existed between the Depot (modern city hall) and where Welch's store was located (the northeast corner of the courthouse lawn). In addition, the KCS and the Frisco railroads once again connected on the south end of town - which would be in the area of where Kenco Plastics is now located. There was also a spur that ran up the side of Cavanal to Witteville. By looking closely, you'll also notice that the first KCS developments did not begin at the end of Dewey where the old depot was, but rather, it occurred several blocks to the north. During this time, there was a wooden depot, a hotel, and a general store located here. Shortly after 1915, that area was abandoned as the "new" KCS depot was built at the end of Dewey.
Of course, there's a thousand other stories to tell, but that would take up too much room here - which is why they're in the book!
But, hopefully this illustrates a little of how the research was done. By comparing maps and photographs, it is possible to get a good idea of where everything was located. Once the locations have been determined, then it's possible to put the stories into context and fir them in to the locations. After that is done, then each story has to be placed into a broader context. With The Birth of Poteau, small snippets of information would be found, cataloged, and tagged by year and subject. Over time, these snippets of information would start to form a story, which then could be compared with the maps and photos. Once everything is in place, then it simply becomes a matter of being able to tell that story in a way that brings it to life - which, with The Birth of Poteau, I hope that that has been achieved!
I believe I'll leave it at that, otherwise I may end up writing a second book here!
Next, take a look at the way the railroads were laid out. During the late 1800s/early 1900s, Poteau was considered one of the largest "railroad towns" in the area. At one point, there was actually six separate tracks that existed between the Depot (modern city hall) and where Welch's store was located (the northeast corner of the courthouse lawn). In addition, the KCS and the Frisco railroads once again connected on the south end of town - which would be in the area of where Kenco Plastics is now located. There was also a spur that ran up the side of Cavanal to Witteville. By looking closely, you'll also notice that the first KCS developments did not begin at the end of Dewey where the old depot was, but rather, it occurred several blocks to the north. During this time, there was a wooden depot, a hotel, and a general store located here. Shortly after 1915, that area was abandoned as the "new" KCS depot was built at the end of Dewey.
Of course, there's a thousand other stories to tell, but that would take up too much room here - which is why they're in the book!
But, hopefully this illustrates a little of how the research was done. By comparing maps and photographs, it is possible to get a good idea of where everything was located. Once the locations have been determined, then it's possible to put the stories into context and fir them in to the locations. After that is done, then each story has to be placed into a broader context. With The Birth of Poteau, small snippets of information would be found, cataloged, and tagged by year and subject. Over time, these snippets of information would start to form a story, which then could be compared with the maps and photos. Once everything is in place, then it simply becomes a matter of being able to tell that story in a way that brings it to life - which, with The Birth of Poteau, I hope that that has been achieved!
I believe I'll leave it at that, otherwise I may end up writing a second book here!
