Conscious Community: Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Legend has it, the name Tahlequah was chosen for the new homeland of the Cherokee Tribe upon their arrival from Georgia on the "Trail of Tears." Three chiefs were to meet and select its name, but when only two chiefs showed up for the meeting, they said "Tahlequah" which in the Cherokee language means "Two is enough."

Tahlequah has often been referred to as one of the most historically significant cities west of the Mississippi, and is located just 12 miles north of Tenkiller Lake on Highway 82. Rich in Native American history, Tahlequah is the home of the Cherokee Nation.

Three miles south of town is "Hunter’s Home" or the George M. Murrell homesite. The Murrell home is the only remaining antebellum home in Oklahoma.

Tahlequah has been voted one of the Best Small Towns in America. If you visit Tahlequah you will see why. It is a beautiful small town surrounded by beautiful rolling hills, meadows, and serene lakes and rivers.

Tahlequah is located in the "Lakes Country" of Northeastern Oklahoma in Cherokee County, with a population of 14,458 according to the 2000 census. The City of Tahlequah is the oldest municipality in Oklahoma by virtue of an incorporation act by the Cherokee National Council of 1843, more than half a century before Oklahoma gained statehood.

Tahlequah is unique in its location, centered in the midst of the Illinois River Valley, with Lake Tenkiller and Lake Fort Gibson close by to provide unlimited recreation and beautiful scenery for the enjoyment of our citizens as well as the many tourists and travelers who pass our way.

Northeastern State University and the headquarters of the Cherokee Nation are also located here and are great assets to our area, providing many job opportunities.

The Cherokee Nation is the second largest Indian tribe in the United States. There are more than 200,000 tribal members. Almost 70,000 of these Cherokees reside in the 7,000 square mile area of the Cherokee Nation which is not a reservation, but a jurisdictional service area that includes all of eight counties and portions of six in northeastern Oklahoma.

Today, the Cherokee Nation is a leader in education, housing, vocational training, business and economic development. I have had the unique opportunity to work with the tribe on several economic development projects.

As a federally-recognized Indian tribe, the Cherokee Nation has both the opportunity and the sovereign right to exercise control and development over tribal assets, which includes 66,000 acres of land, as well as 96 miles of the Arkansas Riverbed.

Note on Images Inluded: These are photos that evoke a "feeling" about Tahlequah's "consciousness." That is why they have been included. #1: Old Ford in field near Tahlequah; #2: Old Baptist Church sign; #3: Northeastern Oklahoma State University campus; and #4: Cherokee Chief Chad Smith and family.