The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture

COOKSON HILLS.

The Cookson Hills of east-central Oklahoma are the southernmost extension of the Boston Mountains, part of the southern extension of the Ozark Plateau. The hills' elevations can vary by one thousand feet but range up to 1500 feet above sea level. The Illinois River, the major water system in the area, flows southwest through the northwest corner of the range. Due to an average yearly precipitation of 43.36 inches, scrubby oak trees, and small patches of walnut and hickory trees are the dominant vegetation. The entire region is covered by thick timber.

Economic activity in the Cookson Hills has revolved around limited agriculture. Cattle ranching is prevalent but is limited by sparse availability of grasses. Farming has never been successful in the area, although some subsistence farming historically occurred. Because of the numerous streams flowing through the hills, fishing became a very popular activity. In the twentieth century tourism became a fast-growing industry, with Greenleaf Lake, Lake Tenkiller, and several state parks providing recreation opportunities.

The Cookson Hills are rich in American Indian history. This geographical feature is located in southeastern Cherokee County, the name of the county indicating the group that historically controlled the area. The Cookson Hills were once included in the Cherokee Nation's Tahlequah District. In the twentieth century the hills were also the home of the notorious, Depression-era bank robber Charles Arthur "Pretty Boy" Floyd.

Kevin J. Ware and Richard A. Marston