He calls the Great Bend of the Arkansas the first Big bend going West from the junction of the two rivers. In the 1884 map you will see the border for the Creeks would have gone straight North taking in the area of Bear Creek in question. In the Sparks papers they mention the junction of the Red Fork of the Arkansas and the Arkansas. Opothleyaholas caves are marked just North facing west on the East bend of the hoop. About where Bear Creek comes into other Arkansas.

Me personnaly Robert, I care not for a political location to the actual site. I am neither from Yale nor Mannford. My interest is putting it where it belongs.

As far as the "First" Civil War battle to occur in Oklahoma? It's November 17, 1861 in Okmulgee County. I'm working to pinpoint that site too. It was a night attack on the McIntosh's regiment and almost succeeded by almost overrunning them.