Chickasaw Adaptation & Leadership
How did the Chickasaws initially adjust to white ways of living?
Farmed, raised livestock, owned slaves, wore white fashions.
What was agreed upon in the Treaty of Pontotoc (1832)?
Ceded all land east of Mississippi.
What steps did the Cherokees take between 1819 and 1827 to “civilize” and avoid removal?
Made constitution, schools, farms, capital.
What role did Principal Chief John Ross play in resisting removal?
Ross lobbied, delayed, resisted removal.
What is Oklahoma’s state animal?
American Bison
What methods did the U.S. government use to pressure the Chickasaws into ceding land?
Trading posts, debt, forced land cessions.
What was significant about the Treaty of Doaksville (1837)?
Bought Choctaw land for $530,000.
What was the significance of the Cherokee syllabary invented by Sequoyah?
Written language, books, newspapers.
How did General Winfield Scott attempt to conduct the Cherokee removal?
Scott ordered humane treatment.
What is the official state meal of Oklahoma?
Fried okra, cornbread, barbecue, etc. (big combo meal)
Why did leadership shift from full-blood to mixed-blood Chickasaws?
Mixed-bloods educated, adapted faster.
What challenges did Chickasaws face during the first removal journey?
Faced rain, disease, spoiled rations.
How did the Supreme Court case involving Worcester and Butler challenge Georgia’s laws?
Court voided Georgia laws; ignored.
What hardships did Cherokees face on the Trail of Tears?
Starvation, disease, ¼ died.
What major event happened in Oklahoma City in 1995?
Oklahoma City Bombing
What role did Christianity and commerce play in Chickasaw society?
Converted, farmed cotton, opened businesses.
Why did some Chickasaws refuse to travel by riverboat during the second removal?
Feared riverboat accidents, went by land.
How did the discovery of gold in Georgia worsen Cherokee conditions?
Gold rush brought violence, theft.
What divisions existed among the Cherokee once in Indian Territory?
Split: Old Settlers, Treaty, Ross parties.
What is Oklahoma’s state motto?
Labor Conquers All Things
How did white settlers react to Chickasaw economic success?
Whites resented their success.
How did mixed-blood leaders like the Colberts influence later removals?
Colberts organized moves, profited.
Why did Major Ridge, John Ridge, and Elias Boudinot sign the Treaty of New Echota?
Signed to avoid extinction (or tricked).
What happened to the leaders who signed the Treaty of New Echota?
Ridge, Ridge, Boudinot assassinated.
What mountain range is in southeastern Oklahoma?
Ouachita Mountains