"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokee Nation Funds Restoration Efforts

Cherokee Nation citizens and area dignitaries join with Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith (center) and Tribal Council Members Cara Cowan-Watts, Bill John Baker, Chris Soap, Harley Buzzard, Council Speaker Meredith Frailey, Jack Baker, Jodie Fishinghawk and Curtis Snell in the groundbreaking of the Saline Courthouse renovation project.

ROSE, OK - Preservation efforts are underway on the grounds of the Saline Courthouse, one of the nine courthouses built by the Cherokee Nation in the 1880’s and the only one standing today. The renovation project will cost $212,000 and is expected to be completed around March 12. The springhouse is located on the 14-acre property. The Cherokee Nation held a ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, September 18 to celebrate the beginning of construction.

“This site is a symbol of our past,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “The Saline Courthouse is reminiscent of the grandeur and sophistication of a government that we chose and designed prior to Oklahoma statehood.”

The Saline District Courthouse was one of nine courthouses built by the Cherokee Nation in the 1880’s and is the only one standing today. The historic establishment came into existence after the forced removal of the Cherokees in the “Trail of Tears” but ceased to serve judicial purposes after the Curtis Act of 1898 abolished the tribal court system.

Joe Grayson, Jr., Deputy Chief of the Cherokee Nation is pleased that renovation efforts are underway and appreciates the historical significance of the project on a personal level.

“This is the last remaining courthouse of our old Cherokee Nation judicial system and the first park in the tribe’s National Park system,” said Grayson. “My great-grandfather was the last court clerk at the Saline Courthouse. He closed the doors on the courthouse before statehood.”

“The Saline Courthouse is listed on the National Trust of Historic Places and has been on the 14 Most Endangered list for Preservation Oklahoma.,” said Lisa Melchior, Saline Preservation Association President. “The courthouse and springhouse are important to the history of the Cherokee Nation and we are pleased to take part in this project.”

The restoration project will include six phases, beginning with the preservation of the springhouse located on the property grounds. The site will eventually include a nature trail, outside classrooms and a memorial trail that will be comprised of native plants and historical information pertinent to the site.

“The Saline Courthouse has been a sacred place to the Cherokee Nation for over 100 years, longer than Oklahoma has been a state,” said Herb Fritz of Fritz-Baily Architects. “Our goal is to leave no indication that renovation has ever taken place at this site. Upon completion the springhouse will be restored to its original state.”

The Cherokee Nation looks to the day that the doors of the courthouse will be re-opened and renovation of the property is completed.

“It would be meaningful if the Saline Preservation Association would allow Joe Grayson Jr., the honor of opening the doors on the courthouse once again,” said Chief Smith. “I hope he is allowed to insert the key and re-open the door of a legacy that was closed to his ancestors many years ago.”