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SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA FRONTIER HISTORY
Southwestern Oklahoma was once an endless sea of grass, stretching as far as the eye could see and populated by millions of buffalo. As a part of Comancheria, the exclusive domain of the Comanches and Kiowas, it was unsafe for the white man or any other Native American tribe.

Following the Civil War, control of the region was wrested from the tribes; cattle drives up the Western Cattle Trail to Dodge City commenced; and Texas claimed Southwestern Oklahoma as Greer County, the home of giant Texas cattle companies. After resolution of the Red River boundary dispute, the area became a part of Oklahoma Territory and was settled by homesteaders.

The Friendship History Group, a nonprofit organization, offers the two books described below, which tell some of the unique--but often overlooked--history of Southwestern Oklahoma. All proceeds from book sales by the Friendship History Group will be used to preserve the history of Southwestern Oklahoma. Scroll down this page for a description of the two books. To learn more about the books, the history of the area or the projects of the Friendship History Group--or to place a book order--click on the appropriate links on the navigation bar above or listed below.

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THE NORTH FORK
A TALE OF THE SOUTHWESTERN FRONTIER

The North Fork tells the overlapping stories of people from three conflicting cultures, struggling to survive on the southwestern frontier during the turbulent decades after the Civil War. The plot, which is based on actual events, offers plenty of action and history, plus a little romance and mystery.

In addition to notable historic figures such as Quanah Parker, Colonel George Custer and Lone Wolf, readers will find a host of colorful fictional characters, including Red Eagle, a Kiowa chief; Tom Carter, a trail hand with a quick temper; and Molly Harding, a Texas farm girl with a secret.

Indian raids and uprisings, the destruction of the buffalo herds, creation of the reservations, cattle drives, the Red River boundary dispute, arrival of the homesteaders, and other historic events shape the destinies of the people who live along the North Fork--where their cultures will clash but their personal lives will become entangled in ways they never imagined.

... blends history and imagination, historical figures and fictional characters to create an exciting Western novel about a unique place and time. --- ROUNDUP MAGAZINE, WESTERN WRITERS OF AMERICA

... an engaging story that concludes with an intriguing twist. --- OKLAHOMA CITY OKLAHOMAN

A tribute to Southwest Oklahoma history ... --- ALTUS TIMES

... brings a realistic and exciting light to local history. --- VERNON DAILY RECORD


288 pages. 6 X 9 perfect bound. Gloss laminate soft cover. $14.95
Dohate Press (2005) ISBN 0-9767003-4-4
Editor: Nicole Leah Vecchiotti. Cover Design: Stephen Bright.
Printed in the U.S.A. by Morgan Printing

THE NORTH FORK: AUTHOR AND EXCERPTS

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FRIENDSHIP HISTORY GROUP

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THE EARLY DAY FRIENDSHIP AREA
ITS SETTLEMENT AND COMMUNITIES

The Early Day Friendship Area is a comprehensive history of the early Friendship Community, compiled by members of the Friendship History Group.

The book covers the period from the time the area was a part of Comancheria, home of the Comanches and Kiowas, until Oklahoma became a state.

It includes histories of all the old communities, schools and churches; the Western Cattle Trail, which ran through what is now Friendship to Dodge City and beyond; Old Greer County, once the domain of giant Texas cattle companies; the historic frontier town of Navajoe; settlement of the area by the homesteaders and how the early settlers lived.

Also included are excerpts from early newspapers, maps of historic sites, old photographs and first person accounts given by pioneers.

Friendship's unique and colorful history could have been lost. But, thanks to a group of interested individuals, a comprehensive account of events leading up to settlement of the region and history of the early days has been published....It includes detailed maps and wonderful early photos.---LAWTON CONSTITUTION

113 pages.  8.5 X 11 GBC bound.  Clear plastic front and black leatherette back cover. $12.00
Friendship History Group (2002)

BOOK ORDERS

 Both books described above can be ordered from the Friendship History Group, 717 Cambridge, Altus, Oklahoma 73521.  You can print an order form by clicking on the Order link on the navigation bar or the Order Form link listed above.  Add $2.50 for shipping.  Order two or more books and the shipping is free.  All proceeds help fund historical projects.  Thank you for supporting the preservation of Southwestern Oklahoma History.

Both books can also be purchased at the Museum of the Western Prairie in Altus.

The North Fork can be purchased at the Red River Valley Museum in Vernon and from Amazon.com, Borders and various other book stores.

Click below to order The North Fork from Amazon.com or to download digital excerpts.

 Click on the site below for interesting Oklahoma historical information and pictures.

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