Central Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Expedition of Bernard de la Harpe

The Red River Journey

Photographed by Jason Voigt, April 9, 2021

1. Expedition of Bernard de la Harpe Marker

Inscription. Authorized by French authorities to explore, trade with the Indians, and establish trade relations with Spanish settlements in New Mexico, Jean-Baptiste Benard de la Harpe made an extensive tour of eastern Oklahoma in 1718-1719. The Caddo guided the la Harpe Expedition to a Wichita village along the "Alcansas" river near present-day Tulsa, Oklahoma. Along the way the explorer noted the bounty of flora and fauna. La Harpe established a formal relationship with both the Caddo and the Wichita that would ensure decades of trade.

Moreover, he sent geographer Gaston du Rivage 180 miles up the Red River and established a thriving trade and successful alliance with the tribes on the upper Red River.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 35° 29.616′ N, 97° 29.819′ W. Marker is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Central Oklahoma City. It can be reached from Nazih Luhdi Drive west of North Laird Avenue. Marker is part of the Red River Journey

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pathway, which is on the grounds of the Oklahoma History Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 Nazih Luhdi Drive, Oklahoma City OK 73105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Oklahoma — Frontier Country.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Steamboat Heroine (here, next to this marker); Alikchi Court Grounds (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Steamboat Heroine (a few steps from this marker); Fort Towson (a few steps from this marker); Miller County Controversy (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Fort Towson (a few steps from this marker); The Red River Heritage Garden (a few steps from this marker); Hochatown (a few steps from this

Photographed by Jason Voigt, April 9, 2021

2. Expedition of Bernard de la Harpe Marker

Marker is on the far right.

marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oklahoma City.

Also see . . . Jean-Baptiste Benard de la Harpe on Wikipedia. In addition to what is said about him on the marker, he is also credited with founding the Arkansas cities of Little Rock and Texarkana. (Submitted on May 8, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 1,222 times since then and 142 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 8, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.