Pittsburg County

Located in the Southeastern part of Oklahoma, Pittsburg County was created at statehood from Tobucksy County in the Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory. This county is known for its lakes, resorts, agriculture, and food.

McAlester in Pittsburg County between the shores of Lake Eufaula and the foothills of the Pine and Jackfork Mountains, McAlester is one of Oklahoma’s oldest communities. McAlester hosts the state’s Oklahoma Prison Rodeo. The city began as a trading post founded by J. J. McAlester in 1870 in the Choctaw Nation of Indian Territory. Today, McAlester is the economic hub of the entire southeast corner of the state.

Just east of McAlester there is a small town name of Krebs where you can find some of the best Italian food in the state. For a very reasonable price they promise you won't go away hungry. First they cover a huge platter with pasta, and you go from there, filling yourself to the bursting point. More than 2,000 Italian miners settled in Oklahoma’s “Little Italy”. The rich heritage of the Italian people who settled here lives on through these fine restaurants and McAlester’s Italian Festival at the Pittsburg County Fairgrounds has huge attendance each Memorial Day weekend.

Things To See and Do

The Scottish Rite Masonic Temple and the Order of the Rainbow for Girls International Headquarters in McAlester. Examples of the rich heritage of the Masons in southeastern Oklahoma

The J. G. Puterbaugh House in McAlester is the opulent home of one of the founding fathers of the coal business in Pittsburg County.

The Garrard Ardeneum, a magnificent outdoor area adjacent to the Puterbaugh Home.

The Pioneer Coal Miner Memorial, dedicated to honor the coal miners and those who lost their livers while building the early–day economy.

The Oklahoma State Prison Outlaw Rodeo held on Labor Day Weekend inside the walls of the McAlester State Prison.

The Italian Festival held every Memorial Day weekend at the Pittsburg County Expo Center, and noted for its authentic Italian food, arts and crafts, Italian games and local talent.

The Sanders Bluegrass Festival west of McAlester on U.S. Highway 270, noted for its down–home, bluegrass music served family–style.

Arrowhead State Park, includes an airstrip, 18–hole golf course, and the Arrowhead Resort Hotel and Gaming Center overlooking Lake Eufaula.

The Old Choate House Museum, in Indianola, was built by a leader of the Choctaw Nation, and is a log cabin that houses pre–statehood furnishing.

Oklahoma’s “Little Italy” is what locals call the town of Krebs, settled by more than 2,000 Italian miners , and known for its fine Italian restaurants.

The Saints Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Christian Church located in Hartshorne, was erected in 1916 and is a beautiful and unique example of Orthodox Church architecture.

The Twin Cities Heritage Association Museum.

Communities

McAlester Tourism Department PO Box 578, McAlester, OK 74502 (918)421–4998 email: tourism@icok.net

Pittsburg County Extension Service