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1958 Map of Bates

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Bates
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

The Ouachita National Forest dominates the landscape of this 1958 survey, where the border between Arkansas and Oklahoma is defined by prominent ridges like Poteau Mountain and Walker Mountain. The regional economy of the late 1950s is etched into the terrain through a series of Strip Mines north of the Poteau River, while the Kansas City Southern railway provides the primary transit corridor through the valley, connecting settlements such as Cauthron and Bates.

Genealogical interest is found in the numerous scattered rural landmarks, including the Hiawatha School and remote houses of worship like Haws Creek Ch and West Harmony Ch. The presence of a Mill Race near Gipson and multiple family cemeteries, such as the Sligar Cem and Slaughter Bridge Cem, points to a long-established settlement pattern deeply integrated with the area's many waterways, including Shadley Creek and Sugarloaf Creek.