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Living in Tahlequah

Location

At the end of the Trail of Tears, in the beautiful hill country of eastern Oklahoma, Tahlequah citizens enjoy a thriving economy, excellent highways and air service. US Highway 62 and three state highways meet in Tahlequah, and Interstate 40 is just 40 miles south. Tahlequah and Cherokee County are connected to the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi and Arkansas rivers through the Port of Muskogee, 30 miles away. A full-service airport in Tulsa, just 68 miles from Tahlequah, has three runways, with the longest extending 10,000 feet. Eleven commercial airlines and several air freight companies serve the airport.

Miles from Tahlequah to some major US cities

 Atlanta, GA 

 835

 Chicago, IL 

 700

 Dallas, TX 

 270

 Kansas City, MO 

 280

 Los Angeles, CA 

 1,500

 Memphis, TN 

 342

 Nashville, TN 

 590

 Oklahoma City, OK 

 170

 Philadelphia, PA 

 1,315

 St. Louis, MO 

 400

Discover the beautiful lakes and rivers, scenic parks and entertainment, and stay to explore Cherokee County – rich in history and cultural variety. Tahlequah is ranked as one of the top five best retirement locations in the United States.

Climate

Tahlequah enjoys moderate weather with four distinct seasons. The rolling foothills of the Ozark Mountains explode with brilliant color in the fresh clean air of spring, when the dogwood and redbud trees bloom and show their spectacular beauty against the natural back splash of Oklahoma’s Green Country. Summer’s blue skies and warm days entice folks into outdoor and water activities, and the enjoyment of a perfect sunrise or sunset. Fall has a charm all its own. Our local scenic highways offer spectacular fall foliage vistas, or you can enjoy the rustle of the falling leaves in one of our quaint city parks – sights worth seeing with an early morning chill and an occasional snowfall in winter as well. If the local scenery isn’t enough, the downtown Festival of Lights will take your breath away.

History

Much of the cultural and educational history of Tahlequah is directly related to the Cherokees, the proud people who began migrating to this area more than 170 years ago. The greatest influx of these people came in the decade of the 1830s when the United States government began moving the Five Civilized Tribes to Indian Territory – Oklahoma.

Dr. T.L. Ballenger, well-known historian, said: “Tahlequah is not simply a town, a place to buy and sell goods, a municipality; Tahlequah has a spirit, an individuality, a distinctive personality, a social and cultural uniqueness all her own.” We are told that the name Tahlequah comes from a gradual change, over a number of years, of a word used to speak of themselves. There were places in the east (before the removal) that have names of similar sound. Other stories exist that purport to explain the name. One of these relates that the Cherokee tribal government sent out two men to find a site for their capital. When they found a spring flowing from two sides of a hillock, they exclaimed: “Tah-le” (two) and “Ah-le-quah” (enough). Another translation of the phrase is “this will do.” Whatever the origin, today Tahlequah inspires in her citizens a sense of loyalty, and an awareness of a proud past and a bright future.

Tahlequah Today

Today, Tahlequah is a wonderful, growing community, nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Flanked on either side of town by the Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller, Tahlequah is a great place for sportsmen and nature lovers alike.

While retaining small-town traditions, warm hospitality and solid values, Tahlequah is welcoming new residents and business owners daily. This growth is evident in every area of our community, with additions to our schools, new roads and bridges, and exciting new housing developments.

Tahlequah and Cherokee County have been ranked among the fastest growing in the State of Oklahoma. Data from the 2004 population census estimate place the Tahlequah population at 15,710.

Population

 

1970

1980

1990

2000

 2009 (Estimate)

City of Tahlequah

9,254

9,708

10,398

14,458

 16,666

Cherokee County

23,174

30,684

34,049

42,521

 46,029

Housing

Tahlequah offers a unique variety of homes, ranging from turn-of-the-century Victorians to state-of-the-art modern architecture. Located in the heart of Oklahoma’s Green Country, our neighborhoods contain an abundance of dogwood, magnolia, oak, elm and hickory trees. As one of the oldest towns in Oklahoma, Tahlequah contains many homes that date back to the 1800s. Many of these homes have been remodeled to include modern amenities, yet retain the charm and style of the period in which they were built. Tahlequah is also home to several new subdivisions established in the 1980s and 1990s. There are new housing developments currently under construction. Currently Tahlequah has 5,703 dwellings of which 42 percent are owner-occupied. As the home of Northeastern State University, Tahlequah offers a large selection of rental housing to accommodate college students.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast there are many homes along the scenic Illinois River just minutes from Tahlequah. Nearby Lake Tenkiller and Lake Ft. Gibson are surrounded by vacation homes and permanent residences. There are also many farm and ranch homes in the nearby areas from five to 500 acres or more.

Although Tahlequah has been growing rapidly for the last decade, it still maintains a small-town atmosphere and has been recognized in the publication The Best Small Towns in America. Wherever you live in Tahlequah, it’s a five minute drive or less to schools, churches, shopping and parks.

No matter where you chose to live, you will feel at home in Tahlequah.

Education

Tahlequah Public Schools

Tahlequah Public Schools provide academic and career opportunities for all students to become responsible and respectful lifelong learners and problem-solvers – confident and equipped to succeed in a technological world – all in a caring and nurturing environment.

Students graduating from Tahlequah Public Schools demonstrate competency in basic skills with emphasis in communications (reading, writing, listening, speaking), mathematics, along with other challenging subjects. They leave school prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning and productive employment.

Tahlequah Public Schools maintain zero-tolerance for violent behavior and the use of drugs and alcohol. All schools offer a disciplined and safe environment conducive to academic learning and personal growth.

 

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

  • $2.4 million bond issue passed in 1997 with 85 percent approval
  • $4.8 million bond issue passed in 1999 with 85 percent approval
  • $4.5 million Schools Capital Improvement Levy passed in 2004 with 73 percent approval
  • $6.2 million bond issue passed in 2004 with 73 percent approval
  • $17.2 million bond issue passed in 2009 with 68 percent approval
  • $ 1.3 million transportation bond passed in 2009 with 68 percent approval
  • $ 3.0 million sales tax project passed in 2009 with 59 percent approval
  • $100,000 TPS Foundation endowment plus $10,000 in annual classroom grants
  • Boys & Girls Club
  • Community and university partnerships
  • Oklahoma Civic Star Award-winner for community collaboration
  • Indian Capital Career and Technical Center
  • Oklahoma School of Science and Math

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

  • ACT average of 21.1 (2009)
  • 4 National Merit Scholars (2001-2009)
  • 15 National Merit semi-finalists (1990-2009)
  • 19 Academic All-Staters (1985-2009)
  • 1 National Achievement Scholar (2002)
  • 1 Coca-Cola Academic Semi-Finalist (2007)
  • 32 Academic State Championships
  • 9 Athletic State Championships
  • Over $1 million yearly in scholarships
  • 24 nationally certified teachers
  • Oklahoma Civic Star Award

Shiloh Christian School

Established in 1991, Shiloh is an independent, non-denominational educational institution that provides and promotes a quality, Christ-centered education for half-day kindergarten through eighth grade. The school’s purpose is to set high standards for life and learning, as well as pursuing excellence in all things.

Students who graduate from Shiloh continue to be academically sound and of good character. One of the school’s first graduates has finished his first year of medical school at the University of Arkansas. Another student was awarded a full internship at TU which pays for his masters in mechanical engineering, and another has obtained her nursing degree.

Shiloh’s schedule combines a variety of the leading Christian curriculums including A Beka for reading, history and science, ACSI for Bible, A Reason For Reading for Kindergarten, A Reason For Writing for grades 1-4, and Saxon math for K-6th grades.

Shiloh’s Mission Statement is partnering with the family to cultivate academic excellence, integrate Godly principles for living, and guide every child toward maturity in Christ.

Visit www.shilohcs.org to read their latest newsletter, view a gallery of photographs, and read parent testimonials. Email info@shilohcs.org to request information, or call (918) 458-5041.

Sequoyah High School

Sequoyah Schools, an Indian boarding school, originated in 1871 when the Cherokee National Council passed an act setting up an orphan asylum to care for the many orphans of the Civil War.

In 1914, the Cherokee National Council authorized Chief Rogers to sell and convey the property of the Cherokee Orphan Training School, including 40 acres of land and all the buildings, to the U.S. Department of Interior for $5,000.

In 1925, the name was changed to Sequoyah Orphan Training School in honor of Sequoyah, a Cherokee who developed the Cherokee Syllabary. After being known as Sequoyah Vocational School for a time, it was named Sequoyah Schools. From a school with one building and 40 acres of land, Sequoyah Schools has grown into a modern institution covering more than 90 acres and a dozen major buildings nestled on a beautiful campus five miles southwest of Tahlequah.

In November 1985, the Cherokee Nation resumed the operation of Sequoyah Schools from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It is now operated through a grant and is regionally- and state-accredited for grades 7-12.

Northeastern State University

Originally founded in 1846 as the Cherokee National Female Seminary, Northeastern State University stands on hallowed ground for higher education in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Legislature purchased the Seminary from the Cherokee Nation on March 6, 1909, with the first group of students attending classes at Northeastern State Normal School the following September.

With its roots as a training school for teachers, Northeastern has established itself as a leader in the field of education, producing more teachers annually than any other Oklahoma institution. During the past century, the University has expanded from its humble beginnings to include undergraduate and graduate programs in Education, Liberal Arts, Science and Health Professions, and Business and Technology on its three campuses in Tahlequah, Muskogee and Broken Arrow. Northeastern is also home to the Oklahoma College of Optometry, one of only 20 optometric programs in the nation.

As Northeastern strides forward into its Second Century, the University continues to expand programs in emerging and in-demand fields, provide global educational experiences for students, faculty and staff, and transform not only northeastern Oklahoma, but the world. As in the past century, Northeastern will be a place for people to gather and learn as the institution writes the next chapters in its story of academic excellence, service and collaboration.

To learn more about the programs and services offered by Northeastern, visit the University website at www.nsuok.edu.

Indian Capital Technology Center

The area is served by the Indian Capital Technology Center which offers more than 65 areas of study in adult training and development on four area campuses. The center offers concurrent enrollment for high school students at either the Muskogee or Tahlequah campus of the vocational-technical program.

Talking Leaves Job Corps

Talking Leaves Job Corps is an educational and vocational training program for young adults between 16 and 24, managed by the Cherokee Nation for the U.S. Department of Labor. Job Corps provides a positive opportunity for young men and women to prepare for the working world through realistic educational and job training experiences. Training is open-entry/open-exit for up to two years, depending on each student’s individually paced learning program.

Emergency and Utility Services

The City of Tahlequah has dedicated police, fire and utility departments committed to providing exceptional service to the area. These departments train throughout the year to ensure they can meet any challenge.

• 84 full-time employees and an operating budget of $17,000,000

• 19,800 water, electric and wastewater consumers

• TPWA’s rates are among the lowest in the state

• Owned by the City of Tahlequah and governed by a five-member board

Tahlequah Fire Department

• 5 engine pumper trucks, 2 automobile accident rescue trucks, technical assistance rescue truck, brush and grass truck, aerial ladder truck, a 3,000 gallon tanker and 2 command vehicles

• Regional Fire Training Center

• Hydraulic tools, including the Jaws of Life

• Wet suits and other water rescue gear

• Rope, high angle and swift water rescue gear

• An ISO rating of 4 (Dropped from 5 in 2009)

  • One central fire station and additional satellite station under construction

Tahlequah Police Department

• 42 full-time employees, including 30 sworn officers

• Reserve police force with 10 additional officers

• Three police canines

• Special Operations Team

• School resource officers and D.A.R.E. program in schools

• Neighborhood watch program

Tahlequah Main Street Association (TMSA)

TMSA is a nonprofit organization that focuses its energy and resources on revitalizing the downtown district. The National Main Street Program designed and implemented an approach that uses four elements to help individual organizations like TMSA make great strides in their communities. The four elements to this approach are Promotion, Organization, Economic Restructuring and Design. There is a committee assigned to each of these elements with specific duties and long-term goals.

Some of the goals the association has envisioned for the revitalization of the downtown district are –

  • To make it strong and economically viable for new and existing businesses

  • To bring in new businesses to keep a strong retail mix

  • To assist merchants with business plans and building owners with facade renovations

  • To promote the rich Cherokee heritage and history of Tahlequah

  • To make the downtown district a destination for tourists and locals.

For more information on how you can get involved, call (918) 431-1655.