Oklahoma: A Story Through Her People

Choctaw Country
Pristine wilderness, majestic mountains, and crystal-clear
lakes highlight the natural charm of southeast Oklahoma,
Choctaw Country. French explorers came to the area as early
as 1720 and wrote of the abundance of wild game, running
streams, and a variety of trees and flowers. There are more
species of trees in Beavers Bend State Park near Broken Bow
than in all of Europe.
Originally the home of the Choctaws in Indian Territory,
Choctaw Country retains the integrity of American Indian
culture with many festivals and celebrations. Southeast
Oklahoma is referred to as “Little Dixie,” because of the
similarity of the terrain, climate, politics, and culture to the
Old South. The coal-mining heritage of areas near McAlester
produced a diversity of citizens in Choctaw Country.
Krebs was settled by Italian immigrants and is famous for
its Italian eateries.
Above: There are many species of trees in Beavers Bend State Park.
Left: Durant’s Centennial horse.
Opposite: Elk and bison sculptures adorn the grounds of the
Choctaw Casino in Durant.
O K L A H O M A : A S t o r y T h r o u g h H e r P e o p l e
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