Tahlequah's Cherokee Prison Is Home To Diverse Stories

Cultural tourism is becoming more popular in Oklahoma.

In a few weeks, the Cherokee Nation will open a 136-year old jail that's been turned into a museum.

The historic Cherokee National Prison in Tahlequah tells the tale of Indian Territory justice.

Lessons on lawmen, exploits of outlaws, and explanations about early-day Cherokees wrongly percieved as outlaws.

"All these historical buildings and attributes tell the Cherokee story, a very diverse story," Travis Owens, Project Manager.

The prison was built in 1875 and was operated by the tribe for 25 years.

It was then a county jail for decades.

After a year of renovations, it is reopening as a museum and interpretive center.

"Just seeing it finally complete is very exciting," Owens said.

Inside there are the old iron jail cells, a sheriffs office, kitchen -- everything to give you a sense of what prison life was like.

Outside, there is a replica of the prison gallows.

"Think about looking out one of these windows and being a prisoner here and knowing that your fate awaits you just a few yards away," Owens said.

The center includes interactive displays where you can feel how heavy an old ball and chain would have been, and where you can feel the weight of justice administered by the Cherokees.

One of the exhibits is a crime and punishment wheel, where you can walk up and find out what kind of punishments would have likely been dealt out in the Cherokee nation.

Arson: Whipping on the back.

Intercepting and opening sealed mail: A 100-dollar fine and whipping on the back.

Murder: Death by hanging."

Assault with intent to kill, rape or rob: A monetary fine and whipping on the back.

Rape? Cut off one ear and 50 lashes on the back.

Another part of the story is about efforts to reform lawbreakers, "and get them back to a normal life," Owens said.

Jurisdiction issues often jumbled justice in Indian Territory which you can learn about, too.

It's all an important part of Cherokee cultural tourism and a story locked up too long.

"It's another layer to who the Cherokee people are," Owens said.

The museum will open May first.

Admission will be free all through May.