In 1902, before Oklahoma was even a state, Platt National Park was established as the seventh National Park in the history of the U.S. through a contract between the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations and the federal government. Platt National Park was located at the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains in Sulphur, Oklahoma, and in 1976 became Chickasaw National Recreation Area after merging with the Arbuckle Recreation Area.
Why would the government take away its National Park status? It's believed that the federal government thought it would bring in more visitors giving it a fresh name change. It's hard to find evidence that Platt National Park once existed, but historic maps and old documents help us remember this near-forgotten piece of Oklahoma history.
This photo was taken prior to 1910 at the area called "Little Niagara" in what was Platt National Park.
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is also known as the Platt Historic District.
In the 1970s, Congress tried distinguishing some National Parks to make them more marketable. Because of the size of Platt, Congress decided it would be better suited as a recreation area instead of a national park.
No matter what it's called, one thing is for sure...it is still just as beautiful as ever!
The area is still associated with the National Park Service, but it is not considered a national park.
The park was originally established to preserve and protect the natural springs in the area. They were believed to have special, healing properties.
The wooded, rolling countryside.
Visitors to the area can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, hiking, fishing, camping and hunting.
To learn more about the natural springs in Chickasaw National Recreation Area, click check this article out!.
If you’re planning a visiting any of America's current national parks, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!
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