Norman in Cleveland County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Indian Territory, 1866-1889

— Norman Legacy Trail —

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 20, 2025

1. Indian Territory, 1866-1889 Marker

Inscription. Following the end of the Civil War in 1865 the United States established a commission to renegotiate treaty relationships with the Five Tribes. Because the governments of the Five Tribes had supported the Confederacy during the war, the federal government placed harsh demands on the tribes. In 1866, these demands resulted in the tribes granting right of ways for railroads and signing treaties, with the details differing from tribe to tribe, in which the tribes ceded or sold large areas of their lands to the United States. These lands were to be redistributed to tribes located in Kansas and the south plains.

In the treaties of 1866 with the Creeks and the Seminoles, the United States obtained title to the western portion of the Creeks' land and all of the Seminoles' land. From these land areas, the government retained a large block of the ceded Creek and Seminole land that became known as the Unassigned Lands. This land, by treaty agreement, was to be held for other Indian tribes. By January 1889, when it became increasingly clear to the Creek Nation that the federal government was intent upon opening the Unassigned Lands

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for settlement, the tribe agreed to relinquish all former restrictions placed upon this land. In exchange for releasing the United States from the earlier restrictions, the Creeks received $2,280,000. The Seminoles asked for and received a similar agreement. The Unassigned Lands were now available for settlement; therefore on March 23, 1889, President Harrison issued a proclamation assigning the date of the opening of the lands to be April 22, 1889. The future town site of Norman will be located in the southern part of the Unassigned Lands.

Erected by City of Norman, Oklahoma.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1889.

Location. 35° 12.915′ N, 97° 26.392′ W. Marker is in Norman, Oklahoma, in Cleveland County. It is on South Jones Avenue north of East Duffy Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is on the Norman Legacy Trail, which runs parallel and to the west of South Jones Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norman OK 73069, United States of America. Touch

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 20, 2025

2. Indian Territory, 1866-1889 Marker

for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Oklahoma — Frontier Country

and in Greater Oklahoma City.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Native Oklahoma (here, next to this marker); The Great Land Run of 1889 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The City of Norman 1889-1907 (about 400 feet away); Extra! Extra! Read All About It! (about 400 feet away); University on the Prairie (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Tough Decade (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Brooks Years and World War One (approx. 0.2 miles away); Norman the University City (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norman.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 20, 2025

3. Indian Territory, 1866-1889 Marker

This marker is on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 16, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.