Ouachita Mtns., Oklahoma Click Image to Enlarge  (JPG) (2,698,956 bytes) ( 3,196 x 3,372 )

The Ouachita Mountains in southeast Oklahoma are part of the only major mountainous region between the Rockies and the Appalachians. The Ouachitas are fold mountains, formed about 300 million years ago when the South American Plate drifted northward, colliding with the North American Plate. The first recorded exploration by Europeans was in 1521 by Hernando de Soto. Forming part of the Louisiana Purchase, President Jefferson sent William Dunbar and Dr. George Hunter to reconnoiter the area. The image was acquired November 13, 2002, covers an area of 48 x 50 km, and is located at 34.6 degrees north latitude, 95.8 degrees west longitude.