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

Clear Creek Water Mill

Photographed by Byron Hooks, October 20, 2009

1. Clear Creek Water Mill Marker

Inscription. Water powered grist mill in operation on Clear Creek early as 1819 by white settlers in old Miller County, Arkansas Territory. New mill built in 1837 by Choctaw Joel Kemp. A later owner, Choctaw John Wilson, replaced crude undershot wheel with turbine-type which also powered cotton gin. John Prince acquired mill site in 1909, updated machinery and replaced log dam with concrete, drilled two artesian wells and supplied water to town of Valliant for many years. Adjacent swimming pool was a favorite recreational facility. Mill ceased operation about 1944; swimming pool closed 1962. Remnants of mill remain. Tradition holds that two black slaves, Wallace and Minerva Willis, first gave voice to renowned Negro spirituals such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" on nearby plantation.

Erected 1995 by Oklahoma Historical Society. (Marker Number 196.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Oklahoma Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1819.

Location. 34° 0.38′ N, 95° 7.165′ W. Marker is in Valliant, Oklahoma, in McCurtain County. It is on U.S. 70 east of Oklahoma Highway N4450, on the left when traveling west. Located at the Valliant Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Valliant OK 74764, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

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and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Elliott Academy (here, next to this marker); Jesse B. Bowman (approx. 5.9 miles away in Texas); Jane Chandler Gill (approx. 5.9 miles away in Texas); Jonesboro (approx. 5.9 miles away in Texas); Near Here at the Old Jonesboro Crossing Sam Houston (approx. 5.9 miles away in Texas); The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (approx. 6.2 miles away); Arnold E. A. Roitsch Archeological Site (approx. 7.1 miles away in Texas); Wheelock Mission (approx. 7½ miles away).

Photographed by Byron Hooks, October 20, 2009

2. Clear Creek Water Mill Marker

Clear Creek Water Mill & Elliott Academy Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 2024

3. Clear Creek Water Mill & Elliott Academy Markers

Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2009, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,574 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 11, 2009, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 3. submitted on May 1, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.