1943 Map of Red Oak

About this map

Talihina and Red Oak anchor this 1943 survey, which illustrates the complex mountain and valley geography of the Ouachita National Forest in southeastern Oklahoma. The landscape is defined by massive ridges such as Winding Stair Mountain and Baker Mountain, which dictate the paths of early transportation networks. The northern valley carries the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific railroad through settlements like Panola and Maline, while the southern corridor is served by the St Louis San Francisco line. The map captures a high density of rural social infrastructure, from the State Sanatorium and Us Hospital near Talihina to numerous remote educational outposts like Boggy Sch and Peachland Sch. These labels reveal a populated backcountry before the mid-century consolidation of rural school districts, offering a look at the dispersed communities of Latimer Co and Le Flore Co.