Cherokee Nation working to restore historic Capitol building


The Cherokee Nation Capitol. Photo © Cherokee Nation Courts.

The Cherokee Nation is restoring its historic Capitol building in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

The tribe started work on the $500,000 project in January. The National Park Service's "Save America's Treasures" program provided $150,000, with the remaining $350,000 coming from Cherokee Nation Businesses.

Work is due to be complete this summer, The Tulsa World reported. "This is a testament to the Cherokee spirit, tenacity and belief in laws and government by restoring this building," Chief Bill John Baker told the paper.

The tribe opened the building in 1869. It housed all three branches of the tribe's government until it was sold in 1914.

The tribe regained ownership in 1979. The building currently houses the tribe's judicial branch.

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Cherokee Nation Capitol restoration nears completion (The Tulsa World 5/1)

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