Cherokee National Prison Museum, Oklahoma, United States
4.5 (37 reviews) Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #1 in Tahlequah Speciality Museums
Indian Territory Jailhouse
The Cherokee National Prison was the only penitentiary building in the entire Indian Territory from 1875 to 1901. It housed sentenced or accused prisoners from throughout the territory. It was built in 1875 and was created for the purpose of reformation as well as for punishment for offenders. The principal chief had the power to pardon condemned men, with the advice and consent of his executive council, but this was rarely exercised. Built of sandstone rock, it was, "made to hold the most hardened and dangerous prisoners."
Address
124 E Choctaw St, Tahlequah, OK 74464-3918
Mobile
Website
http://www.visitcherokeenation.com/attractions/cherokee-national-prison-museum
Working hours
Monday :
Tuesday : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday :
Current local date and time now
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 0:35
User Ratings
4.5 based on (37 reviews)
Reviews
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5BlueDevilOKC 5:00 PM Jul 23, 2022
Outlaws, fugitives, and runaways
The visit to the prison is a nice complement to the Supreme Court, providing a broader view of the justice system from the courts to incarceration. The prison is filled with interesting stories about the cast of characters who made their way through the prison, including outlaws and runaways. A fun and interesting stop.
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5cl2003 5:00 PM Oct 14, 2021
Worth a Visit
An interesting, small museum that is definitely worth a visit. The museum is divided into two parts. First, an interpretative center with information about the history of law enforcement and outlaws in the Cherokee Nation. The second part is the old prison which has replicas of the cells and additional information. The highlight of the visit was chatting with Noel about the history. He was extremely friendly and informative.
