1913 Map of De Queen

About this map

De Queen serves as the focal point of this regional study, which documents the rugged transition from the southern Ouachita National Forest into the river valleys of southwest Arkansas and southeast Oklahoma. The Kansas City Southern RR is the primary industrial artery, connecting timber and mining towns like Hatfield, Vandervoort, Wickes, and Gillham. This era shows a landscape dense with rural infrastructure, including dozens of local education centers such as Welcome Home School and Blanchard School, alongside spiritual landmarks like Smyrna Church and Cecil Chapel. The topographical survey tracks the complex drainage of the Cossatot River and Little River, highlighting early industrial sites like Baker Min and remote outposts such as Ultima Thule. These details provide a look at the settlement patterns established before modern highway expansion reshaped the Ouachita foothills.