Numerous streams will be crossed in a drive over the county, because the county is well watered. Grand River, a Government stream (called the Neosho River in Kansas), is the principal stream, enters at the northeast corner of the county and winds its tortuous route to the southwest, passing out near the middle of the south line. Several creeks traverse the county, generally in a southeasterly direction, and flow into Grand River. Chief of them is Pryor Creek, which enters near the northwest corner and flows south and east, entering Grand River a few miles north of the county line. The streams have rather high, timber-covered banks, clear water, and are well stocked with fish. They provide_ ideal spots for fishing, bathing, picnics and camping. The eastern part of Mayes County and especially the northeastern part of the county, where the famous Spavinaw Creek flows into Grand River, is fast becoming known as the playground of Northeastern Oklahoma. Many clubs are located along the streams of Mayes County and thousands of tourists visit the county annually seeking good water, rest and recreation. The Morgan Inn, owned by Gideon Morgan, a prominent citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is located on the banks of Grand River just north of Salina; Just south of Salina is located a bathhouse equipped for radium water baths. There is also located in connection with the bath house a large hotel and private cottages at the disposal of tourists and persons seeking health and rest. It might be mentioned here that Tulsa, Okla., recently voted $7,000,000 bonds for the purpose of piping Spavinaw Creek water more than sixty miles to Tulsa.
Water Supply
One important question in selecting a home is the water supply. In Mayes County, water suitable for household purposes and livestock is found in abundance at from 20 to 50 feet. The numerous streams supply stock water to many pastures. At a depth of 450 to 650 feet flowing artesian water is secured throughout the county.
Fuel
Mayes County is peculiarly made up or constructed in that in each locality of the county, either wood or coal is available and in many localities both coal and wood are to be had, as there are some very fine veins of coal in the county. The towns of Pryor and Chouteau use natural gas almost exclusively.
Source: Benedict, John D. Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma, including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa. 3 v. illus., ports., facsims. 28 cm. Chicago, S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922.