PLATT Guidebook 1941

PLATT National Park
OKLAHOMA

THE GENTLY ROLLING HILLS of Platt National Park offer a pleasing relief from the comparatively level surrounding country. Most of the area is well wooded and traversed by picturesque streams with a number of springs, small waterfalls, and cascades. Travertine Creek, which flows through the eastern portion of the park, is a beautiful stream of clear, sparkling water, fed by numerous springs. Rock Creek enters the park from the north, just below the principal entrance from the town of Sulphur, and Travertine Creek empties into it.

To the south of Rock Creek is "Bromide Hill," a steep wooded bluff 140 feet high. From its summit, easily reached by trail or road, visitors may obtain a splendid view to the north and east. Far in the distance to the southwest can be seen the picturesque Arbuckle Mountains and the Washita River Valley. The principal mineral springs of the park issue from the base of this hill.

Springs Long Used

It is not definitely known when the spring waters were first used for curative purposes. Tradition has it that the waters were known to the Indians and that for many decades before the coming of the white man the creek banks were dotted with the tepees of the Indians who came to drink the waters at certain seasons of the year.

Platt National Park is located within the holdings of the Choctaw Nation of the old Indian Territory, established in 1832, and the greater part of the area was purchased from the Indians when the Sulphur Springs Reservation was established in 1902. On June 29, 1906, the name was changed to Platt National Park in honor of Orville Hitchcock Platt, Senator from Connecticut for 26 years, who, as a member of the Committee on Indian Affairs, was distinguished for his service to the Indians.

Principal Springs

Of the numerous springs in the park, many may be classed broadly as sulphur, some as fresh water, and three as bromide springs.

While waters of the springs are for the use of all visitors, they should be taken extensively only on the advice of a competent physician. The National Park Service facilitates the usefulness of the springs only by protecting and maintaining them according to the best possible standards. There are no provisions in the park or at the town of Sulphur for free consultation of physicians or treatment of the sick.

Pavilion Springs, Bromide Spring, and Medicine Spring are among the best known of the mineral waters of the park. These springs are located on Highway No. 18 across from Travertine Creek. Bromide Spring issues from the base of Bromide Cliff and is dispensed from the Bromide Pavilion. Medicine Spring is also located here and dispensed from the pavilion.

The waters of Black Sulphur Springs are strongly impregnated with sulphur. This spring is located directly across Rock Creek from Flower Park and is dispensed from a small pavilion. Hillside Springs issue from a grotto in a rock wall just below the park office. These are also sulphur springs.

U. S. Analysis—Bromide Spring
Ingredients¹(parts per million)

Natural Springs

In the eastern end of the park along Travertine Creek are two natural springs of considerable volume, flowing more than 5,000,000 gallons of pure natural water per day. It is said that these springs, called Buffalo and Antelope, were so named because of the herds of antelope and buffalo from the surrounding prairies which formerly came there to drink.

Travertine Creek

Trails and Circuit Drive

A carefully planned trail leads from the summit of Bromide Hill to Buffalo Springs, a distance of nearly 4 miles. From the main entrance to "Robbers' Roost," on Bromide Hill, is one-half mile and from the same place to Buffalo Springs is 3 miles. Another trail known as the "Cliffside Trail" leads from about halfway up Bromide Hill to Sulphur Springs and the Perimeter Road. The trails are suitable for horseback riding from Pavilion Springs to the intersection of "Cliffside Trail" and along that trail to Sulphur Springs; also from Pavilion Springs to Buffalo Springs. Usually the park superintendent or the local hotel managers can arrange for hiring saddle horses.

Within the park there is a complete circuit drive 8 miles in length. This road has been designed according to park standards and gives motorists as comprehensive and scenic a view of the park as possible.

Campgrounds and Picnic Areas

Free campgrounds with water, lights, and sanitary facilities are maintained at Cold Springs, Central Campgrounds, and Bromide Springs.

There are also a number of attractive picnic sites, most of which are equipped with tables, fireplaces, and water. A picnic area accommodating large parties has been constructed at Travertine Island.

Swimming

Swimming and wading are allowed along Travertine Creek. There are several swimming pools, with bath houses and showers in the town of Sulphur, immediately adjacent to the park.

Administration and Season

The superintendent of Platt National Park is in immediate charge, and general information regarding the area may be secured from him at the park office.

Although the principal season for visitors is during the summer months, the park is open throughout the year.

Lincoln Bridge

How to Reach the Park

Platt National Park is easily reached via U. S. Highway 77 from the north and south at Davis and U. S. Highway 70 from the east and west at Ardmore. Connection with major bus lines both north and south may be made at Davis, while service to Ada on the east and Durant to the south east is maintained from Sulphur.

Railway service is maintained by the Santa Fe Railway at Davis, with direct service north to Oklahoma City, Kansas City, and Chicago, and direct connections at Newton, Kans., for Denver, Colo., and Pacific coast points. From Davis south there is direct service to Dallas and Fort Worth, with interchange service to Houston, Galveston, and south Texas points. At Scullin, on the east, connections are made with the Frisco Lines for Tulsa and St. Louis to the north and east and to Dallas to the south.

Nearby Points of Interest

There are a number of interesting points near the park which visitors may wish to see.

Turner Falls State Park is a lovely area in the heart of the scenic Arbuckle Mountains. The falls are a beautiful spectacle, and the entire region is one of rich geologic interest, particularly structural geology and paleozoic fossils. Prices Falls is also located in the heart of the Arbuckles, and consists of numerous falls in a beautiful mountain stream. Shell Mound is an unusual heap of fossil shells found near Dougherty.

The Devil's Den, near Tishomingo, 26 miles away, is a grotesque formation of high granite boulders of considerable interest and beauty.

Rules To Be Observed

Please help to keep the park clean. Do not scatter papers, picnic remnants, etc.; throw all trash into receptacles.

It is unlawful to disturb flowers, shrubs, or trees; to mar or deface signs or buildings; to carve initials on any object. Do not throw stones or other material at trees, birds, or other objects in the park.

Extinguish fires completely before leaving. Be sure matches and cigarettes are extinguished before disposal.

Hunting is prohibited.

Cats and firearms are not allowed within the park.

Dogs are allowed within the park on leash only but are not permitted in pavilions or near springs.

Camping permitted in designated places only, limited to 60 days.

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PLATT NATIONAL PARK, OKLAHOMA
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