Near Talihina in Le Flore County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Where There is Water There Will Be People
Inscription.
A reliable source of water has always drawn people here. Prehistoric people used this site as a temporary camp while hunting and gathering stone for tool making.
From 1838 to 1854, the troops posted to Fort Towson used the military road, located one mile northeast of the spring, as a regular thoroughfare. Soldiers relied on the spring to water horses.
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the first recreation facilities along this road - a picnic area and a structure around the spring. These rock walls and the entrance station remain.
Captions:
The entrance structure circa 1930. Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service.
The Winding Stair Truck Trail, predecessor of the Talimena Scenic Byway, was built by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollees. Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service.
Erected by US Forest Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.
Location. 34° 44.241′ N, 94° 43.629′ W. Marker is near Talihina, Oklahoma, in Le Flore County. Marker is on Talimena Scenic Drive (Scenic Highway 1) 5 miles west of U.S. 259. The marker is located at the Horsethief Springs Picnic Ground on the Talimena Scenic Byway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Talihina OK 74571, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Outside the Law In Indian Territory (here, next to this marker); Horsethief Spring (here, next to this marker); Life at Stapp (within shouting distance of this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) (within shouting distance of this marker); Don L. Hoyt Pavilion (approx. 3 miles away); Emerald Vista (approx. 3.4 miles away); Cut Out and Get Out! (approx. 3.4 miles away); Civilian Conservation Corps Co. 810 (approx. 3.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Talihina.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2022, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. This page has been viewed 67 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2022, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.