Historical Markers in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma
In 1988, the residents of Boise City, Oklahoma, were tricked into believing they were under attack by aliens. A local radio station aired a fake news report about a UFO sighting, and many residents saw lights in the sky that they believed were alien spacecraft. The hoax became national news and has since become a part of the town's history.
About Sequoyah County
Sequoyah County Timeline
Sequoyah County is located in eastern Oklahoma and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokees established settlements in the region, and their influence can still be seen today.
In the early 19th century, the United States government began to forcibly remove Native American tribes from their ancestral lands as part of the Indian Removal Act. The Cherokees were particularly affected by this policy, and many were forced to leave their homes and relocate to present-day Oklahoma. This forced migration, known as the Trail of Tears, had a significant impact on the history of the county.
After the Cherokees settled in the area, they established a government and built schools, churches, and other infrastructure. The town of Sallisaw was designated as the county seat in 1907 when Oklahoma became a state. Throughout the 20th century, the county experienced growth and development, with agriculture and manufacturing playing important roles in the local economy.
Sequoyah County has also been a site of historical events. During the Civil War, the county was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. This led to tensions and conflicts within the county. In more recent history, the county has faced challenges such as natural disasters, including flooding and tornadoes, which have impacted the community and required ongoing recovery efforts.
Overall, the history of Sequoyah County is a complex and layered story that encompasses Native American heritage, forced removal, settlement, and the challenges and growth of a thriving community. Today, the county continues to preserve and honor its history while looking towards a prosperous future.
In the early 19th century, the United States government began to forcibly remove Native American tribes from their ancestral lands as part of the Indian Removal Act. The Cherokees were particularly affected by this policy, and many were forced to leave their homes and relocate to present-day Oklahoma. This forced migration, known as the Trail of Tears, had a significant impact on the history of the county.
After the Cherokees settled in the area, they established a government and built schools, churches, and other infrastructure. The town of Sallisaw was designated as the county seat in 1907 when Oklahoma became a state. Throughout the 20th century, the county experienced growth and development, with agriculture and manufacturing playing important roles in the local economy.
Sequoyah County has also been a site of historical events. During the Civil War, the county was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. This led to tensions and conflicts within the county. In more recent history, the county has faced challenges such as natural disasters, including flooding and tornadoes, which have impacted the community and required ongoing recovery efforts.
Overall, the history of Sequoyah County is a complex and layered story that encompasses Native American heritage, forced removal, settlement, and the challenges and growth of a thriving community. Today, the county continues to preserve and honor its history while looking towards a prosperous future.
Sequoyah County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Sequoyah County, Oklahoma.
- Pre-1800s: The land that is now Sequoyah County is inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee.
- 1828: The Cherokee Nation is established in present-day Oklahoma, including the area that is now Sequoyah County.
- 1838-1839: The Trail of Tears, a forced relocation of Native Americans by the US government, impacts the Cherokee Nation in Sequoyah County.
- 1841: Sequoyah County is officially established as part of the Cherokee Nation.
- 1861-1865: Sequoyah County and the Cherokee Nation are heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
- 1870: The Kansas City, Fort Smith and Southern Railroad is completed in Sequoyah County, opening up the area for trade and agriculture.
- 1907: Oklahoma becomes a state, and Sequoyah County becomes part of the new state of Oklahoma.
- 1926: Construction of the Robert S. Kerr Dam on the Arkansas River begins in Sequoyah County.
- 1964: The Robert S. Kerr Dam is completed, creating Lake Kerr and providing hydroelectric power to the region.
- Present: Sequoyah County continues to be an important part of the state of Oklahoma, with a diverse economy and a rich Native American heritage.