OKLAHOMA
|
In 1682, René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle claimed all of the Mississippi River and its tributaries for the Kingdom of France. As such, the land that would become Oklahoma was under French control from 1682–1763 as part of the territory of Louisiana (New France). At the conclusion of the Seven Years' War (1756-’63) and its North American counterpart, the French and Indian War, France was forced to cede the eastern part of the territory in 1763 to the British as part of the Treaty of Paris. In 1800, France regained sovereignty of the western territory of Louisiana in the secret Third Treaty of San Ildefonso. But, strained by obligations in Europe, Napoleon Bonaparte decided to sell the territory to the United States. With the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the United States acquired France's 828,000 square mile claim to the watersheds of the Mississippi River (west of the river) and Missouri River. The purchase encompassed all or part of 15 current U.S. states (including all of Oklahoma) and parts of two Canadian provinces. Out of the Louisiana Purchase, Louisiana Territory and Orleans Territory were organized. Orleans Territory became the state of Louisiana in 1812, and Louisiana Territory was renamed Missouri Territory to avoid confusion. In the early history of the United States as a nation, a challenging issue was the management of frontier settlement in the traditional lands of the Native Americans. One approach to obtain land in or near the established states was to relocate tribes to unsettled territory further west. In 1820 (Treaty of Doak's Stand) and 1825 (Treaty of Washington City), the Choctaw were given lands in the Arkansas Territory(including in the current state of Oklahoma) in exchange for part of their homeland, primarily in the state of Mississippi. This approach became more formalized on 8 May 1830 via the passage of the Indian Removal Act. This act gave President Andrew Jackson the power to negotiate treaties for removal with Indian tribes living east of the Mississippi River. The treaty called for the Indians to give up their eastern land for land in the west. Those who wished to stay behind were required to assimilate and become citizens in their state. For the tribes that agreed to Jackson's terms, the removal was peaceful, however those who resisted were eventually forced to leave. Part of what became Oklahoma was designated as the home for the relocation of the "Five Civilized Tribes". Later the area would be referred to as Indian Country or Canadian Indian Territory. The goal was to provide ample lands for the relocation of Native Americans in the eastern states who did not wish to assimilate. The Choctaw was the first of the "Five Civilized Tribes" to be removed from the southeastern United States. In September 1830, Choctaws in Mississippi agreed to terms of the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek and prepared to move west. The phrase "Trail of Tears" originated from a description of the removal of the Choctaw Nation in 1831, although the term is also used in reference to the Cherokee removal in 1838-39. The Creek refused to relocate and signed a treaty in March 1832 to open up a large portion of their land in exchange for protection of ownership of their remaining lands. The United States failed to protect the Creeks, and in 1837, they were militarily removed without ever signing a treaty. The Chickasaw saw the relocation as inevitable and signed a treaty in 1832 which included protection until their move. The Chickasaws were forced to move early as a result of white settlers and the War Department's refusal to protect the Indian's lands. In 1833, a small group of Seminoles signed a relocation treaty. However, the treaty was declared illegitimate by a majority of the tribe. The result was the Second (1835–42) and Third Seminole Wars (1855-58). Those that survived the wars eventually were paid to move west. The Treaty of New Echota of 1835 gave the Cherokees living in the state of Georgia two years to move west, or they would be forced to move. At the end of the two years only 2,000 Cherokees had migrated westward and 16,000 remained on their lands. The U.S. sent 7,000 soldiers to force the Cherokee to move without the time to gather their belongings. This march westward is known as the Trail of Tears, in which 4,000 Cherokee died. |
|
|
|
|
|
Once settled, the “civilized tribes” received american style governments and seals. On the seals were the following devices: : • on that of the Cherokee a seven-pointed star within a crown of olive branches • on that of the Chickasaw an Indian armed with shield. bow and arrow. • on that of the Choctaw a tomahawk, a bow and three arrows in saltire • on that of the Muscogee a plough and a sheaf of wheat • on that of the Seminole a factory and a village and an Indian in a canoe in the river These seal are treated extensively in a publication of 1940. [1] As follows: |
|
|
CHRONICLES OF OKLAHOMA Volume
18, No. 4 December,
1940 OFFICIAL
SEALS OF THE FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES By Muriel H. Wright Pages
357-370 Members of
the Five Civilized Tribes were honored this year by an unusual invitation
from the Alabama Department of Archives and History through its Director,
Mrs. Marie Bankhead Owen. Planning the dedication of the Hall of Flags in its
handsome new historical building at Montgomery, the Alabama Department of
Archives and History arranged a special Flag Day program for June 14th. At
this time, different patriotic organizations in the State would present their
State Department of History with the flags of all
the nations that had at any period held dominion over the country within the
boundaries of Alabama. Before
the first cession of lands in what is now Oklahoma to the Eastern Indians,
beginning one hundred and twenty years ago, the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek,
Seminole, and Cherokee nations claimed portions of Alabama as a part of their
ancient homelands. In the history of Oklahoma, these
Indian nations are often referred to as the "Five Civilized
Tribes." It was to honor the ancestors and to memorialize the achievements
of the Indian people that the Alabama Department of Archives and History
invited the members of the Five Civilized Tribes to present the flags of
their governments during the dedication exercises. The
invitation immediately brought up a question since none of the Indian nations
ever officially adopted a separate flag of its own. The American
flag—"Old Glory"—always floated over the Government buildings and,
on stated occasions, over the Indian capitols in the Indian Territory. An
exception to this was during the War between the States, the five Indian
nations having made treaties of alliance with the Confederate States. For
four years, as the fortunes of war shifted with fighting and conquest, the
Confederate flag marked the military camps and forts
garrisoned by Confederate troops and their Indian allies in this part of the
west.[2] Upon
receipt of Mrs. Owen's invitation sent through the auspices of the Oklahoma
Historical Society, Secretary James W. Moffitt telephoned the writer of this
article for suggestions in replying to the letter. In the hope that this
invitation so signally honoring the Indian people might be accepted and
knowing that no special flags had ever been officially adopted by the Indian
governments, the writer suggested that, in place of flags, banners be
presented the Alabama Department. All five of the banners should be uniform
in size and general design, having white fields surmounted at center with the
respective seals of the nations, done in colors. The Great Seal of each nation
symbolized its ancient traditions and its history. The white field would
represent peace and union with the Indian people; it would represent the new
country ceded them over a century ago in what is now Oklahoma, where the
Indian "Ships of State" charted a new course in their governments. Plans for
the banners were forwarded through the co-operation of Mrs. Owen, Alabama's
Director, and Judge Robert L. Williams, President of the Oklahoma Historical
Society, as well as Secretary Moffitt. Special committees representing each
of the Indian nations were immediately appointed and gave their enthusiastic
support. Active committee members were: Chickasaw Committee, Mrs. Jessie E.
Moore and the Chickasaw Governor, Floyd Maytubby; Creek, John Davis;
Cherokee, J. B. Milam; Seminole, Mrs. Wm. S. Key: Choctaw, Principal Chief
Wm. A. Durant and Muriel H. Wright. The
writer supplied descriptions of the Indian seals, besides her time and
efforts for the special research. The laws providing these
seals in the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Cherokee nations were located in the
Oklahoma Historical Society. Through the co-operation of the office of A. M.
Landman, Superintendent of the Five Civilized Tribes Agency, original
impressions of the seals were made on gold leaf with the old dies located in
the Indian records at Muskogee. From the
original impressions of the seals, copies of the Indian laws, and other data,
Mr. Guy C. Reid, of Oklahoma City, donated paintings of each of the seals
from his drawings enlarged to scale and hand done in water color. Following
the suggestions made by the writer, approved by the Indian committees and
those co-operating in the plans, an Oklahoma manufacturing company by special
request from the Indian committees produced beautiful banners, copying the
paintings of the seals for the central designs. These
banners were of white satin, trimmed with gold braid and fringe, having
replicas of the seals embroidered in colors. The banner of each nation had
its name in large letters at the top, the seal in the center, and below this
the words "In Oklahoma," followed by the date of the first land
cession to the nation in the Indian Territory. On Flag
Day, June 14, 1940, these Indian banners were
presented to Alabama's Hall of Flags. The dedication ceremonies were
impressive, attended by a large gathering of Alabama citizens,
representatives of the patriotic organizations mentioned above, and Indian
delegations from Oklahoma. Leaving
Oklahoma City by automobile early Wednesday morning, June 12th, the journey to Montgomery was made in twenty-four
hours of travel. Recalling the stories of how their ancestors had come west
during the Indian Removal to the Indian Territory (1830-40), the delegates
noted with interest hills and dales, glimpses of moss hung forests and of
dense swamp lands, the mighty Mississippi River, and many noted landmarks as
they sped past along modern highways. These same
scenes bound in primitive and forbidding solitude had been viewed by their
ancestors as they traveled on foot and on horseback to the West, blazing the
pioneer trails for some of these same roads through the wilderness of that
time. How different was their journey requiring many weeks along these routes more than a hundred years ago, compared with
the journey to-day! The visit
in Alabama reflected honor and respect for the people of the Five Civilized
Tribes of Oklahoma, at the same time afforded much
pleasure for, the Indian delegates. Every courtesy and gracious attention
were extended by Mrs. Owen, members of the staff of the Alabama Department of
History, State officials, and the citizens of Montgomery. Special mention
should be made of the interesting tour of historic sites in this capital
city, conducted through the kindness of Mr. Peter A. Brannon, archeologist
and member of the staff of the Alabama Department of Archives and History.
For most of the delegates, this was the first visit to the historic South and
the ancient homelands of their Indian nations. There is so much of human
interest alike for the people of Oklahoma and Alabama in their history,
present associations, and hopes for the future. History of the Great Seals of The
Five Civilized Tribes Tradition
and history are found in the great seals of the Five Civilized Tribes. All
five of the seals have a prominent place in the Great Seal of the State, and
are described in Article VI, Section 35, of the Oklahoma Constitution. [3] Oklahoma
being the 46th star in the American flag, the device
of the State Seal centers in a large five-pointed star, outside and between the
rays of which are five groups of nine stars each, representing the other
forty-five stars in the national emblem. In the center of the large star is
the official seal of the Territory of Oklahoma and in the five rays, the
Indian seals.[4] In the upward ray
is the Great Seal of the Chickasaw Nation. Within the other rays, reading in
order from left to right, are those of the Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, and
Choctaw nations. When
relating the story of their seals, the term "tribe" is a misnomer
in referring to these five Indian governments. For
seventy-five years, beginning in 1830 west of the Mississippi, they were
spoken of as "nations," since they owned large areas of the country
and were organized as separate republics within the present boundaries of Oklahoma.
Hence a great seal was needed by each nation for stomping its official
papers. |
|
|
The Great Seal of
the Chickasaw Nation |
|
|
The Great
Seal of the Chickasaw Nation showed an Indian warrior
standing in ancient regalia, carrying two arrows in his right hand, a long
bow in his left, and a shield on his left shoulder. The two
arrows in the warrior's right hand represented his guard over the two ancient
phratries or tribal divisions, in which all
Chickasaw clan and house names originated. These two
phratries were called respectively, "Koi" and "Ishpani"
in the native language. In the ancient tribal organization, the hereditary
ruler or chief of the Chickasaws was selected from the Ishpani division. It seems
his assistant, the tribal war chief who was often more influential and
powerful than his superior, was selected from the Koi division. In
historical records, the Chickasaws were referred to as a nation noted for
intrepid warriors, unconquered in battle. According to old tribal lore, the
bow and the shield in the Great Seal represented the insignia of the
Chickasaw warrior, by right of his descent from the "House of
Warriors." This organization was sometimes called the "Tiger
Clan" (i. e., Koi Clan or Division), which
counted its members from more than one Indian tribe long before the Europeans
came to the shores of America. The Great
Seal of the Chickasaw Nation was provided in a constitution adopted in the
nation, on August 30, 1856. [5])
Under the terms of the Treaty of 1855, sponsored by the United States, the
Chickasaws had separated from the Choctaws and organized their own government
as the "Chickasaw Nation." The constitution and the laws were sent
to Louisiana to be printed. Strangely, the person with whom the documents
were entrusted lost them en route and they were never found. This
necessitated the re-adoption of the constitution and laws at a later date. In 1856,
the capital of the nation was called "Tishomingo City," honoring
the name of Chief Tishomingo, the last assistant chief (i. e., war chief) of the old tribal regime in power before the
Chickasaws purchased a home among the Choctaws in the West and moved from
Mississippi to the new country. At the
age of ninety-six, Chief Tishomingo had been honored by his tribesmen, with a
life pension from their national funds "as a token of their kind
feelings for him, on account of his long and valuable services." This
provision appeared in the Treaty of Pontotoc, in 1832, which set forth the
plans for the sale of all Chickasaw lands east of
the Mississippi River. The name of this venerable chief has been perpetuated
in Oklahoma by that of the present city of Tishomingo, county seat of
Johnston County and location of the old Chickasaw capitol. With the
adoption of the Great Seal of the Chickasaw Nation, the figure of the warrior
in the device commemorated the courageous Chickasaw of olden times,
represented in the person and character of Chief Tishomingo. [6] |
|
|
Seal of the Cherokee
Nation |
|
|
In the
center of the Seal of the Cherokee Nation was a large seven-pointed star
surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves. The outside border of this device bore
the words, "Seal of the Cherokee Nation." Two words for
"Cherokee Nation" in the Cherokee language followed, printed in
characters from the Sequoyah alphabet and pronounced
"Tsa-la-gi-hi A-ye-li." At the lower edge of the seal was the date
"Sept. 6, 1839," that of the adoption of the constitution of the
Cherokee Nation West. [7] Interpretation
of the device in the seal is found in Cherokee folklore and history. Ritual
songs in certain ancient tribal ceremonials made reference to seven clans,
the legendary beginnings of the Cherokee people. A sacred
fire was kept perpetually burning in the "Town House" at a central
point in the nation. The live oak, the principal hardwood timber in the old
Cherokee country in the Carolinas, was used in keeping the sacred fire. Thus,
in connection with this fire, the oak was a symbol of strength and everlasting
life. The
seven-pointed star in the Cherokee Seal represented the seven ancient clans
in tribal lore. Since the oak tree was associated with the mysteries of the
sacred fire, the wreath of oak leaves was a symbol of the dauntless spirit of
a courageous, virile people. When
first organized under a constitutional form of government east of the
Mississippi, the Cherokee Nation planned to preserve its national history and
found a museum. In 1859, the Baptist missionaries, Reverend Evan Jones and
his son, John Jones, promoted the organization of a secret society, called
the Keetoowah, among the fullblood Cherokees. Members sought the preservation
of Cherokee history and the development of high ideals of individualism.
During the War between the States, the Keetoowah
sided with the Union. The Seal
of the Cherokee Nation was adopted by law of the National Council and
approved by Lewis Downing, Principal Chief, on December
11, 1871. Lewis Downing had begun his work as a Baptist preacher among his
people two years before the adoption of the Cherokee constitution, 1839.
During the War between the States, he was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Third Indian Home Guard Brigade in the
Union Army. In 1867,
Colonel Downing was first elected principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. In
that year, when old factional and political strife threatened to disrupt the
nation, Reverend Evan Jones and his son succeeded in furthering the
organization of the Downing Party, an alliance between members of the former
Ross Party (Union sympathizers) and the ex-Confederate Cherokees. From this
time, until the close of the Cherokee Government just before Oklahoma became
a State, the Downing Party elected all the principal
chiefs in the nation, except one. In 1869,
Colonel Downing was re-elected for a second term as principal chief. The Seal
of the Cherokee Nation adopted by the National Council in this year reflected
his influence and his associations among his people. One of the darkest
chapters in the history of the Cherokees, resulting from the War in the
States, had recently, closed. The mystic seven-pointed star and the wreath of
oak leaves in the seal, surrounded by the name of the Cherokee Nation both in
English and in Sequoyah characters, together with the date of the adoption of
the constitution west, formed a symbol of great promise. It heralded a
"Glorious Return" of the united Cherokees pledging their devotion
to the highest ideals in their educational, industrial, and religious life as
a Christian people.[8]
|
|
|
The Great Seal of
the Creek (Muscogee) Nation |
|
|
The Great
Seal of the Creeks or Muscogees, the latter name used in referring to
themselves, showed a sheaf of wheat and a plow in the center of the device
surrounded by the words, "Great Seal of the Muscogee Nation, I. T."
Adopted
by their National Council after the War between the
States, this seal was a modern symbolism of the industry of the Creeks as
agriculturists, for which they were noted from earliest times. After coming
to the Indian Territory, the successful growing of small grain, especially
wheat and some oats and rice, besides large crops of corn in the rich lands
bordering the Canadian and the Arkansas rivers and their tributaries, brought
prosperity to the Creek people. Connected with ancient tribal customs, the
"green corn dance" was celebrated in summer as a thanksgiving and
rejoicing in the new crops and marked the beginning of the new year in the
nation. The sheaf
of wheat and the plow in the center of the device had a broader significance
reflecting Christian influence of the Creek chiefs and leaders. The Methodist
and Presbyterian denominations were particularly strong in the nation. From
the adoption of the written constitution of the Muscogee Nation in 1867, to the
close of this government just before Oklahoma became a State, these two church organizations counted outstanding leaders
and principal chiefs as members. Among them were such prominent chiefs as
Samuel Checote, Joseph M. Perryman, Legus C. Perryman, and Pleasant Porter. [9]
A
Biblical interpretation of the sheaf of wheat in the Muscogee Seal may be
found in Joseph's dream (Genesis 37:7): "For, behold, we were binding
sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright...." An
interpretation for the plow may be found in the prophecy (Amos 9: 13):
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake
the reaper..." |
|
|
Seal of the
Seminole Nation |
|
|
The Seal of
the Seminole Nation was adopted during a late period of Seminole history in
the Indian Territory. The device showed a plumed tribesman paddling a canoe
across a lake to a village, a factory (trading house) standing near the
shore. Originally
a tribal division of the Creek Nation, the Seminoles separated from the
Creeks and located in Florida about the middle of the 18th
Century. From this time, the lakes and swamps of that region had a
significant place in the life of the Seminoles. Refusing
to come west during the main removal of the Indians, it was in the swamps of
the Everglades that the Seminole families found refuge while their warriors
fought for seven years against the United States troops. Though most of the
Seminoles were finally forced to move to the Indian Territory, some of them
remained in Florida where their descendants have lived to this day, adapting
themselves to life in the swamps. When a group of these
people in their gayly colored native costumes is seen in the distance
approaching through the forest, they appear as a flock of brilliantly plumed
birds. Until recently the Florida Seminoles maintained that they were still
at war with the United States. Now, however, they no longer hold to this
idea. Under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, lands including some of
their native swamps in Florida have been purchased for their use and their
tribal communities established to promote the welfare of this interesting
Indian group. In the
West, the Seminoles progressed along the lines of the other Indian nations,
though their adoption of republican forms of government was retarded since
the permanent location of their lands was not
definitely settled until after the War between the States. By the Seminole
Treaty of 1866, they purchased a tract of country, the boundaries of which
corresponded with those of present Seminole County, Oklahoma. From that time,
this region was known as the Seminole Nation and Wewoka was the capital, the
National Council meeting annually in the council house erected at this place.
Citizens living in fourteen communities throughout the country selected a
principal chief of the nation and elected members to the National Council. A
unique feature and the pride of the Seminole government was the efficient
body of lighthorsemen who kept strict law and order throughout the nation. There was
a tradition that the design of the official seal of the Seminole Nation was
based on old tribal religious beliefs as well as real history. Medicinal
herbs and roots were purchased for the manufacture of commercial tonics, by
traders among the Indians living in easy access to the places where such
plants grew near lakes and streams in Florida and the Indian Territory. In
early days, this trade was brisk bringing in considerable revenue during
certain seasons of the year. The
knowledge and use of some specially valuable herbs and roots were held sacred by the Creeks and Seminoles, in connection with
their ancient tribal religious rites and ceremonials. These
ideas governed the whole procedure of gathering and preserving the plants, as
well as the journey in taking the dried products to the trading post. Thus,
the procedure followed a definite pattern or set of
rules and was associated with thoughts of happiness and well-being. In
adopting an official seal for the nation west, the scene of the plumed
tribesman paddling a canoe across a lake to a village and a trading post
suggested for the old time Seminole, a design representing some of the early
customs having to do with peace and plenty. Following
an old tribal law, the chief executive of the Seminole people was a
hereditary chief or his kinsman selected to rule for life or, in later
history, for successive terms during a long period of years. Since the
Seminole was a small nation, its government was an example of one man rule.
Significant of this, the outer border of the official seal was inscribed with
the words “Executive Department of the Seminole Nation.” |
|
|
The Great Seal of
the Choctaw Nation |
|
|
Provisions
for an official seal for the Choctaw Nation were made in a new constitution
adopted by a convention of Choctaw citizens meeting at Skullyville, in
January, 1857. Bitter opposition to the action of the convention almost
resulted in a civil war. There were strong
objections to the changes made in the executive department, the Skullyville
constitution containing a provision for the election of one chief executive
to be called "Governor," in- stead of three chiefs, one for each of
the three districts into which the Choctaw country was divided for
governmental purposes. An
overwhelming vote of the people in a called election brought about the
adoption of another constitution in a convention of elected delegates meeting
at Doaksville in January, 1860. This was thenceforth known as the
"Doaksville Constitution," remaining in force and effect until the
close of the Choctaw government as a separate republic just before Oklahoma
became a State. Under this constitution, the executive department of the
Choctaw Nation consisted of a "principal chief," with the three
district chiefs continued in a subordinate and advisory capacity. The first
cession of lands in present Oklahoma by the United States to any of the
Indian tribes living east of the Mississippi was made to the Choctaws, in the
Treaty of 1820. The signers of this document in their behalf were three of
their most noted chiefs in the history of this people; —Mosholatubbee,
Apuckshenubbee, and Pushamataha. Under the early tribal government, the
Choctaw country east, included three districts, each ruled by a chief, the
three chiefs together forming the executive power in the tribe. After the
organization of the nation west as a republic, the new country was again
divided for the purpose of government, into three districts and named respectively,
Mosholatubbee, Apuckshenubbee, and Pushamataha. From that time, the names of these great leaders were honored and perpetuated in the
nation until the close of the Choctaw government just before Statehood. In the regular
annual session of the Choctaw General Council meeting at Doaksville, a
special act of October 24, 1860, approved by George Hudson, Principal Chief,
defined certain duties of his office. Section 4 of this Act stated in part. [10]
"The
Principal Chief shall procure, at an early day, at the cost of the Nation, a
great seal of the Nation, with the words 'The great Seal of the Choctaw
Nation,' around the edge, and a design of an unstrung bow, with three arrows
and a pipe-hatchet blended together, engraven in the centre, which shall be
the proper seal of this Nation until altered by the General Council, with the
concurrence of both Houses thereof." Passing
around and smoking the calumet or pipe in council when deliberating important
matters for the tribe were parts of special ceremonial among the Indian
peoples of America. This custom was particularly significant among the
Choctaws who were noted in history for their diplomacy and discussion of
tribal affairs in council. Therefore, the pipe-hatchet in their Great Seal
represented these old national characteristics. In
ancient times, calumets were purely ceremonial, having carved pipe bowls of
red or black stone and stems decorated with bird feathers and sometimes rare
furs. Calumets
for peace councils were decorated with white feathers and those for war, with
red. Foreign traders introduced another kind of pipe manufactured specially
for the Indian trade in war minded Europe. This pipe made like a hatchet with
a blade, referred to as the "pipe-hatchet," in time took the place
of their ancient ceremonial calumet in some Indian tribes. Though a
peaceable people, the Choctaws were noted for great strength in defending
their homes and country, the nation having produced many great warriors in
historic times. The unstrung bow in the Choctaw Seal represented peace yet
instant preparedness for defense. Likewise, the three arrows were always
ready: one for Mosholatubbee, one for Apuckshenubbee, and one for
Pushamataha, the three great chiefs whose names had become symbols for a
strong, united nation.[11] |
|
|
Seal of
Oklahoma Territory, 1893 In the Civil War the Civilized Tribes initially were not inclined to intervene in the quarrel between the whites amongh themselves. To take sides however was inevitable in the end and they choose the side of the Confederates. After the war new treaties were signed with them by the U.S..government By way of punishment their western territories were confiscated receiving the name of Western Indian Territory. There, new indian reservations were founded for other dislodged tribes: the Osage, Kaw, Sac and Fox, Shawnee, Potowatomi, Ponca, Pawnee and others. More to the west came the reservations of the Comanche, Kiowa, Apache, Cheyenne and Arapaho. On 2 May 1890 the Western Indian Territory was renamed Oklahoma Territory. White settlement was allowed and pastures and arable land of the Indians was sold by the state. An Act to establish a permanent Grand Seal for the Terriotry of Oklahoma was effected 10 March 1893, as follows: “’Under the motto “Labor Omnia Vincit shall be Columbia, as the central figure, representing Justice and Sattehood. On her right is the American Pioneer farmer, on her left is the aboriginal American Indian. These two representatives of the white and red races are shaking hands beneath the scales of Justice, symbolizing equal justice between the white and red races of Oklahoma, and on the part of the Federal Government. Beneath thw trio group is the cornucopia of plent and the olive branch of peace, and behind is the sun of progress and civilization. Behind the Indian is a scene depicting the barbarous, nomadic life of the aborigines – tepees, emigrants’ train, grazing herds, etc. representing Oklahoma in her primeval wilderness. Behind the white man is a scene depicting the arts of civilization – farmer plowing, rural home, railroad train, compress mills, elevator, manufactories, churches, schools, capital and city. The two scenes are symbolic of the advance of the star of empire westward; the peaceful conquests of the Anglo-Saxon and the decadence of the red race. Under all shall be the words, ‘Grand Seal Territory of Oklahoma.’’” [12] |
|
|
The State of Sequoyah was a proposed state to be established from the Indian Territory in the eastern part of present-day Oklahoma. In 1905, with the end of tribal governments looming (as prescribed by th Curtis Act of 1898), Native Americans of the Five Civilized Tribes—the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek (Muscogee), and Seminole—in Indian Territory proposed to create a state as a means to retain control of their lands. Their intention was to have a state under Native American constitution and governance. The proposed state was to be named in honor of Sequoyah, the Cherokee who created a writing system in 1825 for the Cherokee language. The proposed seal of the state was a five-pointed star, each point charged with the device of ‘a civilized tribe.’ The star surrounded by 5Í12 five-pointed stars and crested by the portrait of Sequoya. Legend: GREAT SEAL OF TYE
STATE OF SEQUOYAH 1905.
Portrait
of Sequoyah, showing his alphabet By Henry Inman after Charles Bird King (1828) Smithonian National Portrait Gallery |
|
|
The Seal
On 16 november1906 the Indian Territories and Oklahoma Territory were admitted to the United States as the 46th state of the Union. The Oklahoma Constitution of 1906 specifies that the State seal shall be designed as follows: Section VI-35: Description of seal. In the center shall be a five pointed star, with one ray directed upward. The center of the star shall contain the central device of the seal of the Territory of Oklahoma, including the words, "Labor Omnia Vincit." The upper left hand ray shall contain the symbol of the ancient seal of the Cherokee Nation, namely: A seven pointed star partially surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves. The ray directed upward shall contain the symbol of the ancient seal of the Chickasaw Nation, namely: An Indian warrior standing upright with bow and shield. The lower left hand ray shall contain the symbol of the ancient seal of the Creek Nation, namely: A sheaf of wheat and a plow. The upper right hand ray shall contain the symbol of the ancient seal of the Choctaw Nation, namely: A tomahawk, bow, and three crossed arrows. The lower right hand ray shall contain the symbol of the ancient seal of the Seminole Nation, namely: A village with houses and a factory beside a lake upon which an Indian is paddling a canoe. Surrounding the central star and grouped between its rays shall be forty-five small stars, divided into five clusters of nine stars each, representing the forty-five states of the Union, to which the forty-sixth is now added. In a circular band surrounding the whole device shall be inscribed, "GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA 1907.” [13] The Arms A coat of arms for Oklahoma is on the flag adopted 2 April 1925. It is after a shield of buffalo hide of the Osage, preserved in the museum of the Oklahoma Historical Society in Oklahoma City. The shield is strewn with crosslets representing stars, and is charged with a palm-leaf and in indian calumet in saltire. Seven feathers are hanging from the rim. Ć See illustration in the head of this article. . |
|
|
Oklahoma
State Bureau of Investigation
Oklahoma
Department of Public Safety |
|
|
|
|
|
Sleeve
patch |
Cap badge |
|
Car logo |
|
|
|
|
|
Crest. |
|
|
Description: That for regiments and separate battalions of the Oklahoma Army National Guard: From a wreath of colors, an Indian's head with war bonnet all Proper. Symbolism: The Indian appears on the State seal and Oklahoma is the last home of the Native American. Background: The crest for color bearing organizations of the State of Oklahoma was approved on 22 March 1922. It was amended to change the color of the wreath on 12 March 1923. |
|
|
Distinctive Unit Insignia. |
|
|
|
|
|
Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 2.70 cm in height overall consisting of a brown Indian head with black hair in a white war bonnet, feather tips black and garnished gray, black, green, blue and yellow on a yellow and blue wreath. The insignia is worn in pairs. Symbolism: The Indian appears on the Seal of the State of Oklahoma. The colors of the wreath, yellow and blue, symbolize that the territory of the State was a portion of the Louisiana Purchase. Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the State Staff and State Department, Oklahoma National Guard on 7 August 1937. It was amended to permit manufacturing in pairs on 14 April 1939. The insignia was redesignated for Headquarters and the noncolor bearing units of the Oklahoma Army National Guard on 16 July 1968. The distinctive unit insignia was redesignated with description amended and symbolism added, effective 30 December 1983, for Headquarters, State Area Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard. |
|
|
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. |
|
|
Description: On a light blue shield 6.67 cm in height and 5.40 cm in width, an Indian's head in profile, copper-colored, with black eyes and hair, wearing a war bonnet of white feathers tipped scarlet and banded ultramarine blue. Symbolism: The shoulder sleeve insignia is adapted from the crest of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Oklahoma National Guard on 9 May 1952. It was redesignated on 30 December 1983, for Headquarters, State Area Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© Hubert de Vries 2017-12-13
Heraldry of the World