French-Parks House
a.k.a. French House
209 W. Keetoowah St., Tahlequah, OKThe French-Parks House is architecturally and historically significant because it is representative of the style and type of homes built during the primary period of Tahlequah's development as the Cherokee National capital because it associated with persons important in the Cherokee Nation.
The house was built as a wedding present by John Thompson, a prominent merchant and Tahlequah's second mayor, for his daughter Jane Anna in 1880. Both Robert French and his wife Jane Anna were mixed-blood Cherokees. He was born in the Cherokee Nation in 1848 and was self educated. During the Civil War he had been a dispatch bearer for Confederate General D.H. Cooper. Following that time he worked as a cowboy and deputy Marshall. In 1879 He had been elected High Sheriff of the Cherokee Nation and was appointed Constable in 1891.
Thompson's nephew, J.T. Parks, the first Cherokee County judge, bought the house from the Frenchs in 1910. The Park family held ownership until just prior to World War II.
Most of the homes that were built during the period that the French/Parks house was built were owned by the towns professional class. They are large, brick or frame houses of a Victorian style. That they were here, an area only shortly-settled by individuals forced to move to the area, who had then been further devastated by the Civil War, exemplifies the persistent character of the house owners.
The French/Parks House, possesses scale and appointments that make it one of the best examples of the Victorian influence in Tahlequah. Features of this large, brick house are a high pitched roof, marble quoins, five bay windows and five fireplaces. The interior retains it main original historic features in its wood doors, floors, wainscotting and stairways.
Local significance of the building:
The house was built as a wedding present by John Thompson, a prominent merchant and Tahlequah's second mayor, for his daughter Jane Anna in 1880. Both Robert French and his wife Jane Anna were mixed-blood Cherokees. He was born in the Cherokee Nation in 1848 and was self educated. During the Civil War he had been a dispatch bearer for Confederate General D.H. Cooper. Following that time he worked as a cowboy and deputy Marshall. In 1879 He had been elected High Sheriff of the Cherokee Nation and was appointed Constable in 1891.
Thompson's nephew, J.T. Parks, the first Cherokee County judge, bought the house from the Frenchs in 1910. The Park family held ownership until just prior to World War II.
Most of the homes that were built during the period that the French/Parks house was built were owned by the towns professional class. They are large, brick or frame houses of a Victorian style. That they were here, an area only shortly-settled by individuals forced to move to the area, who had then been further devastated by the Civil War, exemplifies the persistent character of the house owners.
The French/Parks House, possesses scale and appointments that make it one of the best examples of the Victorian influence in Tahlequah. Features of this large, brick house are a high pitched roof, marble quoins, five bay windows and five fireplaces. The interior retains it main original historic features in its wood doors, floors, wainscotting and stairways.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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Oklahoma is home to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which celebrates the history and culture of the American West. The museum features exhibits on cowboy life, Native American culture, and the art of the American West.
About Cherokee County
Cherokee County Timeline
Cherokee County, located in northeastern Oklahoma, has a rich and complex history that dates back thousands of years. The region was traditionally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Osage peoples. The arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century brought significant changes to the area.
In 1828, the United States government signed the Treaty of New Echota, which resulted in the forced removal of thousands of Cherokee people from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to present-day Oklahoma. This event, known as the Trail of Tears, had a profound impact on the Cherokee people and the region's history.
After reaching present-day Oklahoma, the Cherokee people established their own government and rebuilt their lives. In 1839, the Cherokee Nation was formally established, with Tahlequah as its capital. Over the years, the Cherokee Nation worked towards economic development and political autonomy. Today, it remains a significant cultural and political presence in Cherokee County and the surrounding areas.
In the late 19th century, Cherokee County experienced growth and development with the discovery of coal and zinc deposits. As mining operations expanded, towns were established, and the economy thrived. However, the decline of the mining industry in the 20th century led to economic challenges in the region.
Cherokee County continues to honor its rich history and cultural heritage. Numerous historic sites, museums, and festivals celebrate the Cherokee people and their contributions to the area. Today, the county remains a blend of Native American, historical, and modern influences, providing a diverse and vibrant community for its residents.
In 1828, the United States government signed the Treaty of New Echota, which resulted in the forced removal of thousands of Cherokee people from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to present-day Oklahoma. This event, known as the Trail of Tears, had a profound impact on the Cherokee people and the region's history.
After reaching present-day Oklahoma, the Cherokee people established their own government and rebuilt their lives. In 1839, the Cherokee Nation was formally established, with Tahlequah as its capital. Over the years, the Cherokee Nation worked towards economic development and political autonomy. Today, it remains a significant cultural and political presence in Cherokee County and the surrounding areas.
In the late 19th century, Cherokee County experienced growth and development with the discovery of coal and zinc deposits. As mining operations expanded, towns were established, and the economy thrived. However, the decline of the mining industry in the 20th century led to economic challenges in the region.
Cherokee County continues to honor its rich history and cultural heritage. Numerous historic sites, museums, and festivals celebrate the Cherokee people and their contributions to the area. Today, the county remains a blend of Native American, historical, and modern influences, providing a diverse and vibrant community for its residents.
Cherokee County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cherokee County, Oklahoma.
- 1828: The Cherokee Nation is established in the area that will become Cherokee County.
- 1838-1839: The forced removal of Cherokee people from their ancestral lands, known as the Trail of Tears, takes place.
- 1842: The Cherokee Nation establishes a government and adopts a constitution.
- 1907: Oklahoma becomes a state, including Cherokee County.
- 1914: The Cherokee National Female Seminary, now known as Northeastern State University, opens in Tahlequah.
- 1950s-1960s: The construction of Lake Tenkiller brings tourism and recreational opportunities to the county.
- 1971: The Cherokee Nation Supreme Court is established.
- 1999: The Cherokee Nation becomes the largest Native American tribe in the United States based on population.
- 2011: The Cherokee Nation opens the Cherokee Nation Veterans Center in Tahlequah.