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Tahlequah, OK

Frequently asked questions

Tahlequah, OK

Tahlequah is a city in Cherokee County, Oklahoma located at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. It is part of the Green Country region of Oklahoma and was established as a capital of the 19th-century Cherokee Nation in 1839, as part of the new settlement in Indian Territory after the Cherokee Native Americans were forced west from the American Southeast on the Trail of Tears. 

The city's population was 15,753 at the 2010 census, an increase of 8.96 percent over the figure of 14,458 reported in 2000. The 2019 estimated population is 16,819. Tahlequah is the capital of the two federally recognized Cherokee tribes based in Oklahoma, the modern Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. Tahlequah is also the county seat of Cherokee County. The main campus of Northeastern State University is located in the city.

Tahlonteeskee was the first established governmental capital of any kind in what was to become Oklahoma. It was established in 1828—in the land that was part of 1816's Lovely Donations, becoming the first Cherokee Nation–The west capital city. It continued as the capital until 1839 when new arrivals from the Trail of Tears flooded the area. At that time, Takatoka briefly became the Nation's capital during the construction of the capitol building at Tahlequah. By mid-1840, the seat of government had been officially moved to Tahlequah. By 1842, Tahlequah was a growing community and had four stores. The town site of 160 acres (65 ha) was surveyed in 1843, and in the same year, an intertribal council attracted ten thousand participants representing 21 different tribes.

 In 1844 the National Hotel was built, and the newspaper Cherokee Advocate issued its first edition using a printing press installed in the brand-new Supreme Court building. The first school opened in 1845, and the Tahlequah post office opened in 1847. The Cherokee Male Seminary opened in 1851, offering higher education to Cherokee boys who had already received their primary education. Tahlequah has a total area of 12.45 square miles (32.2 km2), all land. The city is 40 miles (64 km) west of the Arkansas state line. 

Tahlequah, like most of the Southern United States, has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) with uncomfortably hot and humid summers, generally warm but very variable springs and autumns, and cool winters with frequent frosts and occasional spells of severe weather dominated by cold, dry Canadian air.

Tahlequah, OK, offers a diverse array of spas, gyms, and health and wellness activities to cater to the needs of its residents. Tahlequah Massage & Wellness provides a range of rejuvenating treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps, aimed at promoting relaxation and holistic well-being. Tahlequah Fitness Center and Aerofit Healthclub feature state-of-the-art gym equipment and offer personal training sessions, group fitness classes, and nutrition coaching to support members in achieving their fitness goals. The 108 Yoga Studio hosts various yoga and meditation classes, focusing on mindfulness, flexibility, and stress reduction techniques. Additionally, Grimes Chiropractic Tahlequah specializes in spinal health and wellness, offering chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercises, and lifestyle advice to enhance overall health. The Tahlequah Recreation Center provides recreational programs and facilities, such as swimming pools, sports courts, and fitness classes, fostering community engagement and physical activity. These diverse wellness options make Tahlequah a vibrant hub for promoting health and wellness among its residents.

The top sites in Tahlequah, OK are the Cherokee National Prison Museum, Cherokee National History Museum, Floyd H Norris Park, and Spider Gallery.

Population: 16,828 (2022). ZIP Codes: 74464, 74465. Area codes: 539, 918. Elevation: 814 ft (248 m). Area: 12.87 sq mi (33.33 km2).

FAQs

What is Tahlequah, OK, known for?

Tahlequah has the distinction of being the capital of both The Cherokee Nation and The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. Tahlequah is unique in its location, centered amid 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.

What is the crime rate in Tahlequah, OK?

The crime rate in Tahlequah is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 18 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Tahlequah is 1 in 56. Based on FBI crime data, Tahlequah is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Oklahoma, Tahlequah has a crime rate that is higher than 62% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

What are the demographics of Tahlequah, OK?

In 2021, there were 1.56 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (7.45k people) in Tahlequah, OK than any other race or ethnicity. There were 4.76k American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic) and 1.9k Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups. None of the households in Tahlequah, OK reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

Sources

Tahlequah, Oklahoma - Wikipedia

City of Tahlequah

Neighborhood Scout

Data USA

Aerofit Healthclub

Tahlequah Massage & Wellness

Tahlequah Fitness Center

The 108 Yoga Studio

Grimes Chiropractic Tahlequah

Cherokee National Prison Museum

Cherokee National History Museum

Floyd H Norris Park

Spider Gallery

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