Removal
Artwork: Map of Cherokee Removal Routes. Source: National Parks Service The Cherokee Nation has maintained a diplomatic relationship with the US government since its inception. When the Indian Removal Act was passed in 1830, this caused a strain on the government-to-government relationship. For years, Cherokee leadership stood united against Removal. Once other tribes signed Removal […]
Growth of a Nation
Artwork: Sequoyah’s Handwriting. Source: Gilcrease Museum In 1817, Cherokee Nation took additional steps toward forming a centralized government and establishing a national committee, a precursor to the legislative branch. In 1827, the Nation adopted its constitution, which laid out the roles of the executive, judicial, and legislative branches. Cherokee people operated inns, taverns, ferry crossings, […]
Emerging Nationalism
Artwork: The Three Cherokees, Came Over From the Head of the River Savannah to London, 1762 by unknown artist. Source: Gilcrease Museum In spring 1540, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto entered Cherokee Nation, which at the time encompassed modern-day Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. De Soto’s excursion marked […]
Pre-Contact Cherokee Lifestyle
Artwork: Cherokee Fishermen by Gebon Barnoski Before Europeans arrived, Cherokee towns thrived independently. Each had its own council house, warriors, headmen, and headwomen, called Beloved Women. Cherokee society was egalitarian: it valued men’s and women’s economic and political contributions equally. While Cherokee towns were independent in operation, Cherokee land was communally held by the whole […]
Origins
Artwork: Origins by Bill Glass Jr., MaryBeth Timothy and Dan Mink One Cherokee creation story recounts a time long ago when Cherokee people lived on an island south of what is now the United States. Their island became tormented by earthquakes that led to a volcanic eruption. Approximately 14 groups departed in canoes to find […]
Under the Stars
Arrowhead Resort Located 13 miles off scenic Highway 10. They offer cabins and secluded camping on the Illinois River. They have rafts, canoes and kayaks for rent. 7704 OK-10, Tahlequah, OK 74464 Learn More Cherokee Landing State Park Located south of Tahlequah on Lake Tenkiller the State Park has RV sites with electric and […]
Tahlequah Area Favorites
Tru by Hilton One of the newest hotels in Tahlequah, Tru by Hilton is conveniently located in Cherokee Springs Plaza, and adjacent to Cherokee Casino Tahlequah as well as several places to dine such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Newk’s Eatery, Sonic, Starbucks, Taco Bueno, and more. Northeastern State University is four miles away. Fuel up on free breakfast, […]
Cherokee Owned
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa This award-winning Casino offers lots of entertainment options including Hard Rock Live which has amphitheater-style seating and state-of-the-art light and sound to watch top artists perform. The sleek hotel has over 450 rooms and suites, two pools (one for adults only) a tranquil spa and business center. There are […]
Entertainment
Cherokee Casinos Our casino offers hundreds of electronic games and free live entertainment from local favorites. Fort Gibson Grove Ramona Roland Sallisaw South Coffeyville Tahlequah West Siloam Springs Will Rogers Downs Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa There’s a pool, a fitness center and a casino, plus an event center. 777 W Cherokee St […]
The Great Outdoors
Geocaching 101 Take a little time with friends and family to find hidden treasures in Cherokee Nation. Work together and look for clues in geocaches to guide you on your way. Learn More Float the Illinois River A moderate current, friendly people and beautiful scenery make the Illinois River perfect for a float destination […]
