Nuttall’s sketch across the prairies of the Poteau Valley looking east to Cavaniol (his spelling) was chosen for the cover of the University of Oklahoma press edition of his journal.
Some friends from the local area have sometimes laughed and said the drawing didn’t look much like the Cavanal they knew. This photo taken recently looking across Pickle Prairie (aka native hay meadow) suggests otherwise. Nuttall’s drawing compresses the length of both the top and the northern extension, but I think you’ll agree, captures the overall scene pretty well. Nuttall camped near here on the night of May 16, 1819, on his way south to the Red River, 200 years ago this month.