Northeastern State University - Tsa La Gi Yearbook (Tahlequah, OK)

Page 13 text:

There have been quite a few changes in the last 130 years. Now a prospering community of 12,000, Tahlequah lies in the heart of Oklahoma's Green Country. Tahlequah lies on the edge of the Ozark foothills and stretches over wooded hills and along clear free-flowing streams. The Illinois River, and Tenkiller Lake which impounds the cool, spring-fed water of the river, provides year-round sce- nic beauty and good times. Some things change, some remain the same. Though Tah- lequah is now a multi-ethnic community, its historical Cher- okee and cowboy days are reflected in the faces of present residents. Northeastern has a larger Indian enrollment than — any other university in the United States, and the principal chief of the Cherokees today is a Tahlequah resident. With its unspoiled natural set- ting and the growing popularity of the river country, Tahle- quah’s future is unlimited. Stat- isticians say Tahlequah could be a city of 100,000 by the year 2000. If that is the future, the changes have just begun. TsaLaGi 9

Page 12 text:

When the Cherokees were first brought over the Trail of Tears to the Tahlequah area in the 1840's, they settled a few miles south near Park Hill. From there scouts were sent out to find the ideal location for the capitol of the Cherokee Nation. On what is now the southern section of the Northeastern campus they found huge oak trees and a spring and stream of crystal water — all amid roll- ing hills. They said to them- selves, ‘‘This is the place,’’ and 8 TsalaGi brought back news of their find to their people. The town’s name was derived from this Cherokee expression. Tahlequah is one of the old- est towns in Oklahoma, and his- torical old buildings and homes are everywhere. The Cherokee County Courthouse, and the Supreme Court of the Cherokee Nation are some of the oldest brick structures in the state. The Murrell Home and Tsa La Gi Village preserve the past in historical settings. Fs

Page 14 text:

ah “ ae og 10 TsaLlaGi eo ;