Near Talihina in Le Flore County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
On a Clear Day
Can You See Into the Past?
Photographed by Jason Armstrong, March 20, 2021
1. On a Clear Day Marker
As archaeologists study Wister Valley, they uncover an interesting history. Evidence dating back to 1500 BC suggests prehistoric people lived in this valley. Sustaining life required daily hunting, and the gathering of wild plants. As their cultures evolved or necessity demanded, they begun to cultivate plants such as corn and squash, leading eventfully to full-scale farming. Evidence of these people disappears after 700-800 AD. In 1719, Bernard LaHarpe, an early explorer, wrote in his journal that this area was abandoned except for an occasional Native American hunting party. Where did they go? Perhaps a drought forced them to leave their crops and move to the plains to hunt buffalo. Archaeologists continue to search for answers.
Caption: This bowl and jar represent the earliest pottery type found in eastern Oklahoma, circa 300 BC. Photo courtesy Oklahoma Archaeological Society.
Erected by US Forest Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1500.
Location. 34° 46.791′ N, 94° 54.076′ W. Marker is near Talihina, Oklahoma, in Le Flore County. It is on Talimena National Scenic Byway (State
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Choctaw Nation. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Piney Woods, 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Choctaw Nation (here, next to this marker); Deadman Vista (approx. 1½ miles away); Military Road of 1832 (approx. 2.7 miles away); Ft. Smith -- Ft. Towson Military Road (approx. 2.7 miles away); First Military Road (approx. 2.7 miles away); Old Lenox Mission (approx. 5.4 miles away); Lenox Mission (approx. 5.9 miles away); A Settling Experience (approx. 5.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Talihina.
Photographed by Jason Armstrong, March 20, 2021
2. On a Clear Day Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2021, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. This page has been viewed 311 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2021, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
