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Native America Calling: The Lighthorse tradition of tribal law enforcement
Friday, November 1, 2024
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Lighthorse: 140 years of tribal law enforcement
Before their relocation along the Trail of Tears, southeast tribes found a need to curb cattle rustling and other violations of tribal laws.

The Five Tribes organized tribal law enforcement units that came to be known as Lighthorse. They would respond to crimes such as stagecoach robberies, bootlegging, murder, and land disputes. For several years, the Lighthorse acted as judge, jury, even executioner.

The Cherokee Lighthorsemen have their origins in Georgia, but were officially formed in November 1844. The Five Tribes continue to use the term “Lighthorse” to refer to their community policing units.

Join Native America Calling to hear about the history of “Lighthorse” and how they paved the way for tribal law enforcement.

Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police
A Lighthorse Police patch from the Chickasaw Nation. Photo: scoutnurse

Guests on Native America Calling
Scott Ketchum (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), Chickasaw Nation Endowed Chair in Native American Studies at East Central University in Oklahoma

Julie Reed (Cherokee Nation), associate professor in history at Penn State University in Pennsylvania

Michelle Cooke (Chickasaw Nation), senior staff writer for the Chickasaw Press in Oklahoma and author of Protecting Our People: Chickasaw Law Enforcement in Indian Territory

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