| SPURRED
BY SEOUOYAH'S INVENTION, IN 1828, Elias Boudinot began
publishing The Cherokee Advocate, America's first
Indian newspaper. The paper was published in both English
and Cherokee and brought the Cherokees not only their own
national news but also news of the United States. Pressures intensified to move the Cherokees in 1828 when gold was discovered in Cherokee country. Actions of the State of Georgia became harsher, especially after the election of Indian fighter Andrew Jackson as President of the United States. In May, 1839, General Win field Scott and Federal troops occupied the Cherokee nation, rounded up the remaining Cherokees and forced them to move to the Indian territory. This removal, one of the darkest episodes in American history, is known as the Trail of Tears, because of the intense sufferings en route caused by blizzards, disease, and hunger. An estimated 4,000 of the original 16,000 Eastern Cherokees died on the Trail of Tears. TRADITION SAYS THAT THREE CHEROKEE Commissioners were selected to choose a site for the Western capital. Only two survived the Trail of Tears. They chose the rolling hills and clear streams where Tahlequah now stands for the new capital. When convinced the third commissioner would not arrive, one turned to the other and said: "Tah-le-Quah" which means "two is enough" in Cherokee. The coming of Statehood for Oklahoma in 1907 had two important influences on Tahlequah. The city was named the county seat for the newly created Cherokee County. Then, the first Legislature authorized purchase of the Cherokee Seminaries and established Northeastern State Normal School at Tahlequah. In 1919, the college was renamed Northeastern State Teachers College and, since 1939, has been called Northeastern State University, or NSU. The university, one of Tahlequah's most important economic influences, also forms the center for cultural development of the city and the area. In 1917, Tahlequah established its first municipal water service and, in 1920, set up its own electrical system. These municipal utilities have played an important role in keeping Tahlequah's property taxes among the lowest in the state. |
Following
World War II, a new element entered the economy of the
Tahlequah area when Lake Tenkiller was built in southern
Cherokee County. Each year the lake attracts thousands of
visitors and has become a retirement mecca. Lake
Tenkiller, with other water developments in the Arkansas
valley, has opened up the Tahlequah area as a tourist and
recreation center. IN RECENT YEARS, RENEWED INTEREST IN Tahlequah history has resulted in the establishment of the Cherokee Heritage Center at the site of old Park Hill. These developments have made one of Tahlequah's oldest assets -- the beauty that has attracted people to the region for centuries -- its greatest resources. The Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce enjoys a close working relationship with the City and County governing bodies, the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, and Northeastern State University. Working together toward common goals, these groups have provided strong leadership as Tahlequah has progressed. TAHLEOUAH'S RICH HERITAGE,
commitment to quality education, and unbound natural
beauty blend to create a unique quality of life that is
enjoyed by area residents and visitors Tahlequah's
attractions draw greater numbers of tourists each year.
For information call the Chamber of Commerce, 456-3742. Standing at the edge of unlimited opportunity, Tahlequah's vision is strengthened by its dynamic history. |