Doaksville, Choctaw Nation
Doaksville is a former settlement located in present day Choctaw County, Oklahoma. It was founded between 1824 and 1831, and was named for Joseph Doak, co-owner of the local trading post. Josiah and his brother originally established the post at the mouth of the Kiamichi River, then relocated one mile west of the Fort Towson-Doaksville Cemetery. after Fort Towson was established in 1824.[1]
Accessibility to steamboat traffic on the Red River made Doaksville a principal town of the Choctaw Nation in the Indian Territory.[1] In the 1820s and 30s, it was a major destination for Choctaws who were required to move from their homes in the Southeast and move to Indian Territory.[2] By 1840, the town had several stores, a gristmill, a blacksmith and a hotel.[1] By 1850, it was the largest town in Indian Territory.[2] It served as the capital of the Choctaw Nation between 1860 and 1863. A convention in Doaksville ratified the Doaksville Constitution that guided the Choctaw Nation until 1906. The capital moved to Chahta Tamaha in 1863.[1]
Confederate General Stand Watie surrendered at Doaksvlle on June 25, 1865. After the war, Doaksville declined economically. The war had destroyed the plantation-based economy of the surrounding area. In 1870 a railroad line bypassed Doaksville, causing most businesses to move to the town of Fort Towson, which was on the rail line.[2] The post office closed in 1903. Nothing remains of the town except the cemetery.[1]
The Oklahoma Historical Society maintains an archeological preservative site at Doaksville.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 May, Jon D. Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. "Doaksville" Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture - Doaksville
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Oklahoma Historical Society. "Doaksville." Retrieved April 3, 2013. Oklahoma Historical Society - Doaksville
External links
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