Cherokee Nation Capitol Building
Following the devastating Trail of Tears, 1838-39, the Cherokee Nation was anxious to reestablish its government and worked tirelessly to that end. Tahlequah was established as the seat of government, and it was on this site that the Cherokee Council first met to reestablish the laws and government. On September 6, 1839, the Cherokee Nation adopted a new constitution.
During the Civil War, Cherokee Confederate Stand Watie burned the log structures that stood here. Following the war, in 1870, the Cherokee Nation built the structure that stands today. In 1907, with statehood, the City of Tahlequah and Cherokee County took control of the site. But it was returned to the Cherokee Nation in the 1970s.
Today, the Capitol Building stands as a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Cherokee Nation, the second largest Indian tribe with more than 200,000 tribal citizens. Every year, on Labor Day weekend, Cherokee people gather in Tahlequah for Cherokee National Holiday to honor the signing of the 1839 Constitution.
Access: The building is currently used as the Cherokee Nation Courthouse, so it's not a tour spot, but the Capitol Building is in the middle of a downtown Tahlequah, and the city square is full of Cherokee monuments, as well as a nice gazebos to welcome year-round visitors.
Stay: Cherokee Nation Capitol Building is in downtown Tahlequah, Oklahoma. If you're looking for a comfortable place to stay the night, check out BedandBreakfast.com for a selection of nearby Bed & Breakfasts:
GPS: 35.91275832137945,-94.97088432312012
Map & Directions:
View All Things Cherokee Travel Center in a larger map
The Cherokee Nation Capitol Building is located at 150 South Muskogee Avenue (aka Highway 62) in downtown Tahlequah, OK. For specific directions, click the "Directions" link in the location bubble of the map above and enter your starting location on the left.
May Featured Title - Gifts & Books
Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation
Gives a fascinating portrayal of the Cherokee Nation, filled with legend, lore and religion. After much research the author has created a heart-stirring story of the tragedy of the Cherokee Trail of Tears which puts one into the time and place of that tragic time with a sense of authenticity and accuracy.
Order Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation
Cherokee Art Gallery
Family Tree Research
Cherokee Roll Search
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New Echota Historic Site
The city of New Echota was established in 1825 as the capital of the Cherokee Nation and it would remain so until 1838, at which point the Cherokee Nation capital moved to Indian Territory with the Trail of Tears. Yet, despite its short history, this city witnessed many significant events... (More)
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