Creek Council Oak Tree

The Creek Council Oak Tree is a historic landmark which represents the founding of the modern city of Tulsa by the Lochapoka Clan of the Creek Nation.The Creeks had been forced to leave their homeland in the southeastern United States and travel to land across the Mississippi River, where the U. S. Government had granted them land in what was then known as Indian Territory. In 1836, after their arrival, the Lochapokas chose an oak tree on top of a hill that overlooked the Arkansas River as the site of their council ground. They lit a new ceremonial fire, using coals they had carried on their journey, established a busk ground, where all council business would be conducted. These grounds were also a gathering place for tribal ceremonies, feasts and games. The site continued to be used for these events until 1896. The Creeks still hold an annual celebration of their arrival at this site on October 20.HistoryThe surviving Creeks then built their village near the Council Oak. They named the village talasi or "Old Town."The Council Oak is believed to have been a mature tree when the Creeks arrived. Although its age is not known, the same tree still lives as of 2014. One source claims it is a post oak tree (Quercus stellata). The Tulsa Preservation Commission article identified the tree as a burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa). Both are varieties of white oak (Quercus alba) and native to Oklahoma.Private citizens acquired the land during the early 20th Century. At one time, oilman Harry Ford Sinclair lived in a large house adjacent to the tree; a later owner, the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association, razed the house but retained the tree. By 1960, it seemed that the tree and its surroundings would be destroyed to create a parking lot. Instead, the Creek Nation and several individuals bought the site, which they donated to the City of Tulsa. The city turned the 1.86acre plot into Creek Nation Council Oak Park. Richard Thornton was named as the architect for the park.