The Birth of Poteau is a tale of one of the most fascinating towns in Eastern Oklahoma. It chronicles the development of the town from the earliest settlers in the region through the height of the Roaring Twenties. Within this book, readers will find stories of Indians and outlaws, covered wagons and coyotes and even a dash from The Gilded Age. Our goal is to tell the story of Poteau in a way that vividly describes the early history of the town, while at the same time helping the reader understand Poteau's broader place in Oklahoma’s history. For several years, we have collected, analyzed, and cataloged as much information as possible about the Poteau, Oklahoma area.  In the course of our research, we've discovered long lost Indian Territory publications, railroad journals, court records, personal interviews, along with a score of miscellaneous documents and photos.  When we first started, very little was known of the towns origins.  While most people know of the origin of the word "Poteau", not many know that this area was once one of the largest French fur trading posts in the country.  From the start, it has been our goal to increase this awareness and to tell the stories that have long since been forgotten.  In doing so, we have brought out Poteau's legacy in a way that will ensure that the history of the town will be enjoyed for generations to come! Written by Mr. George Bernard Shaw and Eric Standridge, this is the most complete history of Poteau, Oklahoma that exists!  During our research, we have came across many fascinating stories, from Wild West Gunfights to the Human Fly.  Mr. Shaw is a long time resident of Poteau and is a direct descendant of the first woman mayor in Oklahoma. Through the years, he has collected many stories about life in Poteau. It is his collection and knowledge that made the book possible. Mr. Standridge is a long-time historian and has authored countless articles on the history of Oklahoma.  He began research for The Birth of Poteau in 2009 and has also collected many long-forgotten documents, photos, and maps of the area. Together, the two have collaborated on The Birth of Poteau in order to produce a high-quality book that tells the story of the early days of Poteau, Oklahoma.