Tahlonteeskee - Oldest Capital in Oklahoma

Tahlonteeskee was an uncle of Sequoyah and became the third chief of the Cherokees West, succeeding Takatoka. Tahlonteeskee and Doublehead, were signers of a treaty in 1805 that labeled them traitors. Tahlonteeskee departed for the West, Doublehead remained and was later slain by Major Ridge. Ridge later became a proponent of moving to the West. His group was called the Treaty Party, and he was killed after the forced removal to the West of the Eastern Cherokees.

Tahlonteeskee permitted missionaries to establish Dwight Mission in Arkansas. He died ca. 1818, and his brother, John Jolly became chief. A treaty in 1817 gave them land between the Arkansas and White Rivers. Soon after this treaty, John Jolly and John Rogers came to the area.

These early Cherokees who migrated from Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama were called Arkansas or, Cherokees West, to distinguish them from their tribesmen who remained in the East. Later they were referred to as "Old Settlers."

Sept. 11, 1824, while still in Arkansas, the Cherokees formally organized their government along democratic lines. Executive power was vested in a - first, second, and third chief. John Jolly was elected first chief, Black Coat was second chief, and Walter Webber was third chief. War with the Osages necessitated having three leaders. In May, 1828, they were forced to give up land in Arkansas for land what is now Oklahoma.

Jolly's hewed log home had massive stone fireplace chimneys and large comfortable rooms. Other buildings served as homes for the servants who operated a large plantation, well stocked with cattle. His home was always open to visitors of which he had many. It is reported that Jolly never slaughtered less than one beef a week throughout the year for his table.

Jolly's name was Oo-loo-te-ke, meaning, "He-Puts-the-Drum-Away." Wise, intelligent, and affectionately called, "beloved father," he was a half-blood who spoke no English. Mixed bloods were considered full bloods if they spoke only Cherokee.

The Capital was established east of Jolly's home. The council house, grounds, and home of the first chief made up the national capital called Tahlonteeskee to honor the late chieftain. The general council met here to make laws from 1828-39.

After the forced removal of the Eastern Cherokees in 1838-39, Tahlonteeskee was discontinued. For a short time the capital was at Takatoka north of Tahlequah, but was eventually moved to Tahlequah, where it remains today. John Ross was the leader of the Eastern Cherokees, and he was elected principal chief. He served in this position for over 40 years.

Tahlonteeskee continued as the Illinois District and a meeting place for Old Settlers. Meetings were held at Tahlonteeskee with the purpose of settling differences between the factions of the tribe. By 1846, there was unification of the three factions, and the Cherokee faction moved into what has been referred to as the "Golden Age," as they became prosperous through their industry and cooperation. The outbreak of the Civil War ended this, as "battle lines" were drawn along the old divisions of the nation.

Excerpts from - C.W. "Dub" West, Among the Cherokees, 1981
H.D. Hagland, Sequoyah County Times, 1957
Starr, Early History of the Cherokees, 1917

Admission: FREE ADMISSION
Hours: Open Daily, Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm
Address: 2 miles East of Gore on Hwy 64, or 17 miles West of Sallisaw on Highway 64 ( Cherokee Street)
Phone: 918-489-5663

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