The Cherokee Old Settler Tour begins during a time before the Cherokee Removal, or the Trail of Tears, when a group of Cherokees willingly relocated to Arkansas beginning in 1808 and then to Indian Territory in 1828. This group was called the Western Cherokees, or Old Settlers. To learn more about their history, you’ll visit:

• Sequoyah’s Cabin State Park - Preserved on its original site, the log cabin was constructed by Sequoyah in 1829, who lived in the house until his death

• Tahlonteeskee – Chief Tahlonteeskee presided over the Cherokee Nation from 1809 to 1818; considered to be the oldest government capital in Oklahoma

• Dwight Mission – Dwight Mission was the site of an early printing press as well as a stopover point for many missionaries to the Cherokee; it served as a school and provided education opportunities for Cherokee children

• Fort Gibson Historic Site – Established in 1824 to protect the western border of the United States and maintain peace between the warring Cherokee and Osage

You’ll also experience additional historic events from Cherokee history during your tour. Interpretive actors will be on hand to reenact several of the stories. Please note:  This interactive tour requires moderate physical activity – walking up hills, role-playing, etc.