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1973 Map of Oark

Name: 1973 Topographic Map of Oark
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1976
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1976

About this map

Oark and Catalpa serve as the primary human outposts within this heavily forested section of the Ozark National Forest in northern Johnson County. The Mulberry River winds through the center of the landscape, fed by a dense network of tributaries including Estep Creek, Bull Creek, and Washita Creek. This 1973 field-checked survey reveals a settlement pattern dictated by the steep topography, with homes and community structures concentrated in the narrow river valleys and hollows.

Local history and genealogy interests are anchored by landmarks such as the Patterson Springs Ch and its adjacent Patterson Springs Cem near the northern boundary with Newton County. Further west, the Miller Cem sits tucked away near Wolf Pen Hollow, while a Roadside Park along the southern bend of the river indicates the area's role for travelers. The terrain is marked by distinctive crossings and gaps, from Hignite Gap in the north to McConnell Ridge and Low Gap in the south.