Interpretive signs at the pull-off explain the
significance of the site. A patch leads to the 1877 survey marker
which marked the boundary between Arkansas and the Choctaw Nations.
A U.S. Government appointee surveyed this line in 1825. A resurvey
in 1857 found that the old line diverged to the west, depriving
the Choctaws of some of their land.
A act of congress had made the erroneous line the official boundary.
An octagonal iron post, weighing several hundred pounds, was placed
in the ground with a pile of native rocks around it.
Near the top of the post are numbers "1877" (south side);
"Ark." (east side); and "Choc" (west side).
The markers were probably hauled in by mule. A 1935 geological survey
marker is nearby.
A trail, called the State Line Trail, probably the trail used by
the surveyors, was in use until the 1930s, mainly for the purpose
of transporting "moonshine" from the Kiamichi Valley across
the mountain to the railroad settlements. It was a convenient "dodging"
trail. Oklahoma officers could be eluded by crossing into Arkansas,
and Arkansas officers likewise eluded by stepping into Oklahoma.
The Ouachita National Recreation Trail starts its downhill descent
into the Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness Area as it travels westward.
FOREST SERVICE ROAD 514
Road is in very poor condition. Do not attempt
to drive it unless you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle. If you decide
to try this road, attempt it in dry conditions only.
