Poteau Oklahoma Map

About Poteau, Oklahoma

Poteau is a locality in Le Flore County, Oklahoma, United States. It has a population of approximately 8,959. The population density is 129.2 people per km². Poteau is located at 35.0537°N, 94.6236°W. It observes the Central Time (America/Chicago) timezone. ZIP code: 74953.

Poteau rests at the foot of the Ouachita Mountains, where the broad, fertile plain of the Arkansas River Valley begins its slow surrender to rolling hills. It lies 26.2 miles south-south-west of Fort Smith, AR (from Fort Smith, AR: bearing 209°T), and is situated 8.3 miles south-south-east of Panama. The air here, especially after a summer rain, carries the deep, earthy scent of damp soil and pine needles, a fragrance that clings to the very fabric of the place. Ancient oaks, their branches gnarled like arthritic fingers, stand sentinel over fields of hay and sorghum, their leaves rustling a perpetual whisper against the vast, often startlingly blue Oklahoma sky. The Poteau River itself, a ribbon of ochre and green, meanders with a quiet persistence, its banks a patchwork of willows and cottonwoods, offering a cool, dappled respite from the midday sun. This landscape, etched by water and wind, feels both ancient and alive, a constant, gentle hum beneath the surface of everyday life. The history of Poteau is deeply intertwined with the rich minerals and fertile ground that first drew settlers to this valley, a legacy that continues to shape its economy. Coal once pulsed beneath the earth here, fueling industries and shaping the character of its people, a hardy breed accustomed to hard work and the subtle beauty of their surroundings. Though the mines have long since quieted, the spirit of resourcefulness remains, now channeled into agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and the cultivation of pecans, their harvest a sweet, nutty promise of autumn. The distinctive red-tiled roofs of many older buildings, a splash of unexpected color against the muted greens and browns of the landscape, speak to an era of prosperity and a lasting architectural imprint. Local traditions, passed down through generations, find expression in community gatherings and a shared pride in the quiet resilience that defines Poteau.

About This Poteau Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Poteau, Oklahoma — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 35.053709, -94.623558. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Poteau and Le Flore County.

Detailed location data for Poteau includes the ZIP code (74953), telephone area code (918), county seat of Le Flore County (Poteau), and school district assignment (Poteau Public Schools). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Poteau is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.