Kiamichi Country Region, OK Land for Sale

Oklahoma Kiamichi Country includes the southeastern corner of the state, and borders Arkansas to the east and Texas to the south. The region is more southern in culture than the rest of the state, due to the influx of southerners seeking less expensive frontier lands during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, causing it to gain the nickname "Little Dixie." The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma covers much of the region. The region is fairly sparsely populated and heavily mountainous and forested. The region includes the Kiamichi Mountains, part of the Ouachita Mountains. "The World's Highest Hill" is located in the region, a 1,999-foot peak near Poteau, since the official designation for a mountain is 2,000 feet or taller. McAlester is the region's primary urban center, with another major city being Durant. Other important cities and towns include Atoka, Poteau, Hugo, Idabel, Broken Bow, Talihina, Clayton, Antlers, Coalgate and Wilburton. Manufacturing employs the largest number in the county, with construction, mining and retail trade also being areas of high employment. Higher education institutions in the region include Northeastern State University, Carl Albert State College, Kiamichi Technology Center and River Valley Cosmetology Institute.

The region is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, such as water sports, mountain biking, hiking hunting, fishing and scenic drives. The region includes Eufaula Lake, the largest lake in Oklahoma by surface area, and there are several other large lakes. The region calls itself the "Deer Capital of the World," for its deer hunting. Visitors are attracted to the award-winning scenic drives through the Ouachita mountains, 13 major lakes, the parks and natural areas and whitewater rapids sports. There are a number of national and state protected areas, including Wister Lake State Park, Heavener Runestone State Park, Robbers Cave State Park, with scenic bluffs and the hilly woodlands of the San Bois Mountains, Beavers Bend State Park, featuring a resort lodge, cabins, RV camping along the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River, Ouachita National Forest, Pine Creek State Park, Raymond Gary State Park, Little River National Wildlife Area, Hugo Lake State Park, Hochatown State Park, Talimena State Park and Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area. Talimena Scenic Drive is a popular way to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Some other attractions include Mount Olivet Cemetery, featuring tombstones of Showman's Rest, as Hugo is a Haven for circus folk in the off-season, Endangered Art, which features an Asian elephant herd.

Le Flore County is located in the northeastern corner of Oklahoma's Kiamichi region and borders Arkansas to the east. The name honors a Choctaw family named LeFlore. Poteau is the largest city and the county seat, with other cities being Heavener and Spiro. There are less than 20 other towns, census-designated places and unincorporated communities. Traditionally the economy has been based in agriculture and mining, but has become more diversified. With so many scenic areas and opportunities for outdoor recreation, tourism is also a large contributor. Higher education institutions in the county include Carl Albert State College, Kiamichi Technology Center and River Valley Cosmetology Institute. The Arkansas River forms the northern borders of the county, with its tributaries, the Poteau and James Fork Rivers, draining much of the county. Part of Cavanal Hill is in the county, the World's Highest Hill. The Ouachita Mountains extend into the southern part of the county. Lake Wister is in the central part of the county, and the Ouachita National Forest and Heavener Runestone State Park are in the southern part of Le Flore County. Other protected areas include Indian Nations National Scenic and Wildlife Area, Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area and Spiro Mounds, an 80-acre archeological site. There are more than 20 sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pittsburg County is located in the northwestern corner of Oklahoma's Kiamichi Country. McAlester is the largest city and the county seat, and other cities are Haileyville, Hartshorne and Krebs, and there are less than 20 other towns, census-designated places and unincorporated communities. The geography of the county is generally hilly and mountainous, and the Ouachita Mountains extend into the southeastern portion of the county. Agriculture has long been important to Pittsburg County's economy, though it was originally known for its coal production. Manufacturing also became a significant industry when the U.S. Navy built an ammunition depot in McAlester during World War II and the U.S. Army took over the facility in 1977. Eufaula Lake was built by the Corps of Engineers between 1956 and 1964, bringing tourism, land development and a major source of hydroelectric power. There are more than 25 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Some other points of interest in the county are McAlester Community Mural, Pittsburg County Farmers Market, McAlester Buffalo Mural, Pittsburg County Genealogical and Historical Society Library and Museum, McAlester Building Foundation, Inc., an old high school which houses a museum featuring historical displays, Scipio Recreational Trails Area, McAlester Arboretum, Puterbaugh Center, Talawanda Lakes 1 and 2 and Lake McAlester.