Quartz Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Quartz Mountains |
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Lake Altus and the Quartz Mountains
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Quartz Mountain |
| Elevation | 1,887 ft (575 m) |
| Geography | |
 Quartz Mountains
Location in Oklahoma
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oklahoma |
The Quartz Mountains are a part of the Wichita Mountains range. You can find them in the far southwestern part of Oklahoma, a state in the United States. These mountains were formed a very long time ago, about 550 million years ago! They started as a "failed continental rift," which means the Earth's crust tried to split apart but didn't quite make it.
Later, about 300 million years ago, these mountains were pushed upwards. Over millions of years, wind and water have worn them down into the shapes we see today. The special rocky areas here provide a home for a unique type of tree called the live oak (specifically, quercus fusiformis). This rare oak tree is known for being very tough and able to survive cold weather.
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Exploring the Quartz Mountains
The Quartz Mountains stretch out to the west and northwest from the main Wichita Mountains. A flat area with smaller hills separates them. These mountains are about 13 miles (21 km) east of a town called Mangum. They are also about 20 miles (32 km) north of Altus.
Tallest Peak and Fun Activities
The highest point in this mountain range is Quartz Mountain. It stands tall at 1,887 feet (575 meters) above sea level. The area is very popular for rock climbing. People love to climb on its weathered granite rocks, which are big pieces of rock sticking out of the ground.
The Quartz Mountains are also home to Quartz Mountain State Park. This park is a great place to visit. You can also find the Lake Altus-Lugert reservoir here, which is a large lake.
A Look at History
For many years, different countries claimed control over the Quartz Mountains area. These included Spain, France, Mexico, and even the Republic of Texas. In the mid-1800s, this region became part of the United States. It was known as the Leased District and later as Indian Territory.
Native American Control and Changes
The area was mostly controlled by Native American tribes who moved around a lot. However, over time, the United States military pushed these tribes onto reservations. This changed how the land was used and who lived there.
Protecting Wildlife
Before the 1900s, a lot of hunting took place in this region. Many animals like bison, elk, wolves, and mountain lions disappeared. A general named Philip Sheridan even said that hunters helped "settle the vexed Indian question" more than the army. This shows how much hunting changed the land and the lives of the people there.
Later, a Comanche chief named Quanah Parker asked President Theodore Roosevelt for help. Because of his pleas, President Roosevelt decided to bring back the original animal species to the area. This was a big step towards protecting nature.
Protected Natural Areas
In 1927, a large lake called Lake Altus was created at the base of the Quartz Mountains. Today, it's known as Lake Altus-Lugert. This lake provides water and a place for recreation.
Quartz Mountain State Park
In 1935, a special area next to the lake was named Quartz Mountain State Park. Citizens from Altus bought this land and gave it to the state to be a park. Over the years, more land has been added to the park. Now, the park covers a huge area of about 4,540 acres (1,837 hectares).
Quartz Mountain Resort
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education manage the Quartz Mountain Resort. This resort offers many places to stay, including a lodge with 118 rooms, a guesthouse, cabins, and even bunkhouses. You can also find spots for RVs and places for camping.
