The Poteau River also serves as the border between the states of Arkansas and Oklahoma for one mile to the south of Fort Smith.

This caused an effective exclave of the Choctaw Nation only accessible by passing through Arkansas.

The area became known as "Coke Hill" due to the abundance of cocaine smugglers that utilized this loophole.

[9] Notable towns located along the river, in order from source to mouth, include Wister, Heavener, Poteau, Panama, Spiro, and Fort Coffee in Oklahoma, and Fort Smith in Arkansas.

The lake and dam both take their name from the nearby town of Wister, Oklahoma.