Life in Indian Territory Sequoyah

sequoyah s cabin in 2004, near present-day sallisaw, oklahoma

after nation accepted syllabary in 1825, sequoyah traveled cherokee lands in arkansas territory. there set blacksmith shop , salt works. continued teach syllabary wished.

in 1828, sequoyah journeyed washington, d.c., part of delegation negotiate treaty land in planned indian territory. while in washington, d.c., sat formal portrait painted charles bird king (see image @ top of article). holds copy of syllabary in left hand , smoking long-stemmed pipe. during trip, met representatives of other native american tribes. inspired these meetings, decided create syllabary universal use among native american tribes. sequoyah began journey areas of present-day arizona , new mexico, meet tribes there.

in 1829, sequoyah moved location on big skin bayou, near present city of sallisaw, oklahoma, built sequoyah s cabin became home rest of life. declared national historic landmark in 1965. operated oklahoma historical society until purchased cherokee nation november 9, 2016.

in 1839, when cherokees bitterly divided on issue of removal indian territory, sequoyah joined jesse bushyhead try reunite cherokee nation. sequoyah, representing western cherokees, , bushyhead representing eastern cherokees, made joint plea @ tribal council meeting @ takatoka on 20 june 1839, succeeded in getting voice vote hold new council of cherokees resolve reunification issues.