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1909 Map of Winding Stair

Name: 1909 Topographic Map of Winding Stair
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1909
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1909

About this map

The Winding Stair Mountain dominates the center of this 1909 survey, illustrating the rugged landscape of southeastern Oklahoma just after statehood. In the northern valley, a dense network of rail lines including the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific RR and the Kansas City Southern RR intersect at hubs like Wister and Howe, supporting the regional timber and mineral economy. The settlement pattern follows these transit corridors, with towns such as Heavener, Leflore, and Fanshawe established along the tracks.

Further south, the terrain becomes more isolated as the Kiamichi River carves its path between the Winding Stair and Kiamichi Mountain ranges. Genealogists will find numerous small communities like Whitesboro, Muse, and Lenox situated in the narrow river valleys. The map also captures early mountain trails and the drainages of Fourche Maline and Big Eagle Creek, marking the transition from the rail-oriented industrial north to the more traditional agricultural and ranching southern valleys.