BIG TIMBERS MUSEUM

Big Timbers Museum was named for the huge stands of cottonwoods, and other trees, which grew up to three quarters of a mile wide extending eastward and westward along the Arkansas River... "Last of the Big Timbers" painted by Mrs. Paul (Mildred) Steward. Is a part of the Prowers County Historical Society's collection on display at Big Timbers Museum. This cottonwood tree was located northeast of the Amity Canal Headgate and measured 16 feet in circumference... The Big Timbers were at one time the site of 600 Native American lodges, and the scene of many Indian Councils and annual feasts. Cheyennes, Commanches, Arapahoes, Kiowas, and other tribes of the plains found refuge in the Big Timbers during the winter. Explorer Zebulon Pike and others used the area as a bivouac for their expeditions as they traveled along the Arkansas River. William Bent built his New Fort in this area which later became known as Fort Wise 1852 - 1866.

Primary location: Lamar United States