Tulsa Transfers Ownership Of Historic Council Oak, Stickball Parks To Muscogee Nation

The City of Tulsa is transferring ownership of a historical landmark, the “Council Oak” tree, to the Muscogee Creek Nation, which considers the site a sacred reminder of their new home after removal on the Trail of Tears.

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum and Muscogee Chief David Hill agreed on the transfer, which could be completed by the end of the year.

The City of Tulsa will continue routine maintenance on the property, while MCN will manage it, according to the City.

“There's always been a sense that the correct owners of this is the Muscogee Creek people,” said Bynum, “The decisions about what happens on this sacred ground should be made by the Muscogee Creek Nation moving forward and that's why we are initiating this transfer of land.”

Bynum said the City came into possession of the property that is now Council Oak Park in the 1970’s when a developer was planning to clear the property, but agreed to a land swap instead. The adjacent “Stick Ball Park” is also part of the transfer.

The tree was on the site in 1836 when a group of Creeks arrived on a hilltop overlooking a river and decided to start their ceremonial fires there.

A tribal town, then Tulsa, grew from the spot. 

“This is important, for us as a community as we continue to find ways to properly honor the origins of our City. Tulsa would not exist were it not for the Muscogee Creek Nation, and this is one way we can properly recognize that.”