Saturday, November 26, 2011

Where We Are

Baker Heritage Farms is located in LeFlore County, Oklahoma approximately 3 miles outside of Heavener.  LeFlore County is in the southeastern part of Oklahoma.

LeFlore County is mainly in the Arkansas Valley and the Quachita Mountains. Topography differences range from the nearly level flood plains of the Arkansas, Poteau, and Kiamichi Rivers and major creeks to the steep mountainous areas of the southern part of the county.

The lowest point in the county is on the Arkansas River and is about 420 feet above sea level. Elevation of the valley areas ranges from 465 feet in the north end of the county to 920 feet in the sought end of the county. The ridges and mountains range in elevation from 700 feet to nearly 2,400 feet.

LeFlore County, named for Choctaw Chief Greenwood LeFlore, was included in the land claimed for Spain by Columbus in 1492. Later, the county was included in the land claimed for France by LeSalle and sold to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Jacob and Elizabeth Heavener moved to the Indian Territory in 1845. Jacob and his eldest son were hung by Jayhawkers in the mountains near Heavener because they were Union sympathizers. The town was named for Jacob's widow and son who built the first house in what is now Heavener. The original name of the town was Choctaw City, due to the large population nearby of Native Americans of the Choctaw tribe. The area was originally settled and developed by a combination of Native American and whites. When the railroad came to the region the name was changed. Many area towns maintain names of Native American origin such as Talihina.

Most of the early farmers lived on small farms that provided subsistence. Cotton was a major cash crop, and corn was grown for human and livestock food. IN the past 25 years, the trend in farming has been away from cultivation and back to livestock farming. Much of the upland acreage is now planted to tame pasture. The areas still cultivated are mainly in the bottom lands of the Arkansas River. Many of the people now living on farms have part-time jobs. One large reservoir built on the Poteau River is used for recreational and municipal purposes.