1958 Map of Bates

About this map

The Arkansas Oklahoma state line bisects this 1958 survey, where the coal-rich industrial corridor of the Poteau River valley meets the northern reaches of the Ouachita National Forest. Heavy industrial activity is evident through the extensive Strip Mine operations and tailings that flank the Kansas City Southern rail line near Coaldale. This rail infrastructure served as a lifeline for small settlements like Bates and Hiawatha, while older transit points like Black Ford and Trestle Ford mark earlier crossings of the river and its tributaries. To the north, the terrain rises sharply toward Poteau Mountain and Cowskin Ridge, where landmarks like Oklahoma High Top overlook the agricultural and timbered lands. Local genealogy is anchored by rural landmarks such as Cedarville Ch, West Harmony Cem, and the Black Cem, providing a detailed record of mid-century community life in the borderlands.