History

The history of these National Grasslands as public lands began in 1937, but the area's significance dates back much further. Several Native American tribes considered the area as part of their homeland, including the Cheyenne and Arapahoe. Chief Black Kettle of the Southern Cheyenne is the source of the name of the National Grassland. Numerous events and places associated with the Plains Indian period occurred nearby. Due to the remoteness of the area, most early accounts came from Military or exploration parties. The nearby Antelope Hills or Boundary Mountains were so named as they marked the boundary (the 100th Meridian) between the United States and Spain, and later the boundary with Mexico until 1845. This area was part of Indian territory, and later became part of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Reservation. By 1892, the area was opened to settlement by farmers under the Homestead laws, with the Oklahoma homesteads being selected by a"Land Run", a literal race to the more desirable 160-acre tracts. Initially, farming proved successful on the many small family farms, but by the mid-1930's, the years of cropping the marginal farmlands with poor agricultural practices, combined with drought and wind, produced lands denuded of protective vegetation. When rains did come, there was nothing to absorb or slow the runoff, and racing water removed the remaining topsoil and cut deep gullies. The "Great Depression" added to the farmers problems, and hundreds of worn out farmsteads we're abandoned. As taxes became delinquent, local communities turned to the Federal Government. Congress authorized the United States to purchase the abandoned lands. The lands that are now the National Grasslands were purchased from 1937-1942. In 1938, the USDA-Soil Conservation Service began rehabilitation of these devastated lands with an extensive program of reseeding, tree planting, fence, windmill and flood control construction. The lands were transferred to the Forest Service in 1953 and became National Grasslands in 1960.

The abundance and diversity of wildlife on the National Grasslands is a pleasant surprise to many. Common animals include white tailed and mule deer, Bobwhite Quail, wild turkey, coyotes, porcupines, beaver, and armadillos. Ducks and geese are abundant during winter and Bald Eagle sightings are common near the lake areas. Hawks and owls are numerous, as are quail, dove and songbirds. Especially noticeable is the abundant and graceful Mississippi Kite. The area forms a transition zone for many eastern and western species, increasing the number of species present. Wildlife habitat management is emphasized to assure opportunities for all those who appreciate wildlife, be it hunter, hiker, photographer or camper.

Hunting is allowed on the Oklahoma portion of the Black Kettle National Grassland but is prohibited on the Lake Marvin unit and the McClellan Creek National Grassland. The Black Kettle recognized nationwide as a premier public hunting opportunity for Bobwhite Quail and Rio Grande Turkey.

Lake McClellan

Recreation

Opportunities for recreation can be found at developed areas on the 5 major lakes, or simply in the open spaces which provide room for hunters, horseback riders, hikers and others who appreciate nature. Fishing is a special attraction of the lakes. Wildlife viewing is a major activity at Lake Marvin and Lake McClellan. The stately cottonwood galleries at Lake McClellan are a unique aspect. There are numerous locations for viewing wildflowers as well as fall Recreational variety is a significant resource of these National Grasslands.

Many areas of the National Grasslands are open to vehicle access, but no off-road motorized use is permitted. Open roads are marked.

Resource Uses

A common scene on the National Grasslands would include the old-time symbol of the Western Plains-a windmill and cattle, or a new symbol-a producing oil/gas well. Livestock and energy production are important uses and are managed to prevent impact on other resources. Opportunity exists for these uses to actually enhance other resources. Livestock grazing can provide the favorable environmental effects the bison herds once provided. Planting of shrubs and trees on revegetated oil/gas well sites increases the diversity of the area for wildlife. Careful planning and management is the key to protecting all the valuable resources of the National Grasslands while still providing much needed energy development and livestock production.

Local Points of Interest

1 River Valley Pioneer Museum: Canadian, TX Phone (806) 323-6548.

2 Battle of the Washita State Historic Site: 3 miles west of Cheyenne, OK. Phone (405) 497-3929.

3 Black Kettle Museum State Historic Site: Cheyenne, OK. Phone (405) 497-3929.

4 One-Room School House Historical Park: Cheyenne, OK.

5 White Deer Lands Museum: Pampa, TX. Phone (806) 669-8041.

6 McLean-Alanreed Area Museum: McLean, TX. Phone (806) 779-2731.

7 Devils Rope Museum: McLean, TX. Phone (806) 779-.

8 Pioneer West Museum: Shamrock, TX. Phone (806) 256-3941.

9 Oklahoma Travel information Center: 1-40 at Erick, OK. Restrooms, drinking water, picnic/rest area, information, telephone, handicap facilities. Phone (405) 526-2383.

10 Hundredth Meridian Historical Museum: Erick, OK. Phone (405) 526-3924.

11 Short Grass Country Museum: Sayre, OK. Phone (405) 928-5757.

12 Old Town Museum: Elk City, OK. Phone (405) 225-2207.

13 Anadarko Basin Museum of Natural History: Elk City, OK. Phone (405) 243-0437.

14 Old Mobeetie Jail/Fort Elliott Museum: Mobeetie, TX. Phone (806) 845-3401.