Tahlequa Oklahoma

"Profiling Small Town America" artlcle by the American Vagabonds

Tahlequah OK is a bit larger of a city than what otherwise finds itself the focus of the American Vagabond's attention.

However it, Tahleqush, OK, captivated our interest for two reasons. One, my long lost niece lives there, but also and culturally important, Tahlequah is the capital of the

Cherokee Nation. Those interested can read the history of the Cherokees to

understand why their home and capital is in this part of the country which locals call

the "Green Country'.

For a Connecticut Yankee, the symbiotic relationship between two cultures, the

Native American Cherokee and Americana is fascinating. On one hand there is a

movement to honor and respect the past, the other is the American dynamic to

embrace the future.

While the American Vagabonds can not claim a definite view of the city,

suffice it to say we do hold to our impressions we shall share. The main street

is not named Main or State as it more customary in New England. In Tahlequah,

the main street is Muskogee as in the name of the city and capital to the Creek

Nation to the South. Muskogee runs South to North beginning with the usual box

national chain retailers in addition to local stores.

As one proceeds north, the old more historic city centric nature takes hold. Small

retail shops, vacant store fronts, small office buildings, and official city and Cherokee

adminstrative structures take hold.

Proceeding further to the north along Muskogee, one finds

themselves in the middle of the attractive campus of Northeastern State College.

This campus plays an important role in the dynamics of this small community-not

only in its "footprint" but an important contributor on the arts and the social

framework of the town.

To the east and west of the main drag are populated with

modest home mostly of a single floor, with a modicum of commercial presence.

Tahlequah is not at the crossroads of interstate travel and commerce. This

fact is founded on the historical context of the Cherokee people. However, this

is one of the more interesting stops for the American Vagabonds. Rich in Native

American history, friendly local people, and an interesting geography, invites all

traveling Americans and others to stop and visit. America is grand with a rich

and mixed history of greatness and sadness--much of what can be seen and

experienced in Tahlequah, OK.