The area is all prairie, you just can't tell because of all the trees! LOL Seriously, the area is mostly prairie, broken up by timberlines along the rivers and creeks and in modern times, broken up by trees in fence lines and around houses and stock ponds. You can see the prairies from the air but not so much from ground level. We have a lot more trees now that back then.

The 15-20 mile range from Ft Gibson would be a few miles south of Brushy Mtn ranging from just north of Spaniard Creek to just south of Dirty Creek -- see map below. I think it is possible Prairie Springs is further north than Honey Springs but wouldn't suspect by much. It appears Cooper was watching in the direction of Prairie Springs for a flank attack by Blunt.

Like you said, Mike, there certainly must have been a good road connecting Honey Springs and Webbers Falls. There was a road down the west (or south) side of the Arkansas to Webbers Falls -- the one Phillips used when he raided to Webbers Falls. Apparently Honey Springs was the better site for a major depot and encampment though Prairie Springs is where the Indian regiments did their rolls on June 30, 1863. The Texas Road location of Honey Springs makes more sense to protect Confederate supply lines.

Just my rambling thoughts. I have not found 'springs' identified on the 1896 survey maps in the vicinity. I'll keep hunting.

Ken