At a lonely intersection in, quite literally, the middle of nowhere, this was a surprise. But it…read moreturns out that yes, the late President had indeed been here in Southeastern Oklahoma in October 1961 to dedicate US Highway 259 (Ouachita National Forest Road) where he was treated with a private Angus bull livestock show and to be wined and dined at an overnight stay at the home of U.S. Senator Robert S. Kerr, south of Poteau. In October 1966, the Oklahoma Historical Society, under the auspices of the Knights of Columbus with the support of the people of Oklahoma, constructed a memorial near the intersection of US 259 and SH 63 at Big Cedar. A multi-tiered reddish-brown granite monument set within a low rock wall with entry gates on three sides makes up the memorial. Concrete walkways in the shape of a cross connect the entry points to the monument. A short distance south of the monument, beyond the wall, is a tall flagpole flying the American flag, and next to it is a raised marker bearing the memorial's name. Outside the central (east) door is a bronze plaque embedded in the ground, set atop a small chunk of reddish-brown granite. The marker reads, "US Highway 259. Oct. 29, 1961. While President of the United States John F. Kennedy gave the dedicatory address at this site. He was a guest of Senator Robert S. Kerr who has led the way for the development of his native state of Oklahoma. Land, Wood, Water, Space." [Review 693 of 2024 - 163 in Oklahoma - 21724 overall]

Oklahoma's markers aren't signs. Instead, they have marble stones that are etched with the message…read more Thankfully, they do have signs that point out a historical marker is ahead so that you can slow down and be ready. This one is on the side of the road, which is not particularly wide so be aware of traffic if you're planning to stop. The marker reads, "Formerly Hatobi (Man-Killer in Choctaw). Renamed in 1890 for pioneer Joshua Smith. Center of Choctaw settlement and activity in early period. Folsom Training School here 1921-33. Named for Choctaw minister Willis Folsom. W.B. Hubbell superintendent. Sealey Methodist chapel built on Folsom Campus 1925. Named for generous donor and former student Sealey Alexander. Salt lick in vicinity inspired name of Big Lick Presbyterian Church here since 1830's." This is marker number 208 and it was erected in 1995 by the Oklahoma Historical Society. [Review 695 of 2024 - 165 in Oklahoma - 21726 overall]