Bok Tuklo, Choctaw Nation facts for kids

Bok Tuklo County was a special area in the Choctaw Nation. This was before Oklahoma became a state. It was part of a larger region called the Apukshunnubbee District. This district was one of three main areas in the Choctaw Nation.

What Was Bok Tuklo County?

Bok Tuklo County got its name from the Choctaw language. Bok means "creek" and tuklo means "two." The name honored two important creeks: Lukfata Creek and Yasho Bok (now Yasho Creek). These creeks flowed side-by-side through much of the county.

Setting the County Borders

The borders of Bok Tuklo County were set using natural landmarks. This was how all Choctaw Nation counties were defined. The Little River formed its southern and eastern edges. A specific line from one part of the Little River to another also helped define its eastern border.

Neighbors of Bok Tuklo County

Bok Tuklo County had four neighboring counties:

• Eagle County was to its east.
• Red River County was to its south.
• Nashoba County was to its north.
• Towson County was to its west.

The main town, or "county seat," was Oak Hill. This was a meeting place, but it doesn't exist anymore.

How the County Was Run

Bok Tuklo County was used for several important things. It was an election district for people who wanted to join the National Council. It also helped manage local government.

The county had elected officials who served for two years. These included:

• County Judge: This person was in charge of how the county was managed overall.
• Sheriff: The sheriff collected taxes and kept an eye on people who tried to enter the area without permission. They also helped count the population.
• Ranger: This official would advertise and sell any lost farm animals that were found.

Oklahoma Becomes a State

As Oklahoma was getting ready to become a state, leaders met to plan its future. They realized that the Choctaw Nation's counties, though well-designed, might not work as new state counties. This was because most county seats were just for court meetings, not large towns.

Plans for New Counties

In 1905, leaders met to propose the State of Sequoyah. This was a plan for Indian Territory to become its own state. They also suggested a new county system that would get rid of the old Choctaw counties. Bok Tuklo County was planned to be part of a new area called McCurtain County.

Two years later, when Oklahoma was officially formed, many of these ideas were used. The area that was once Bok Tuklo County became part of McCurtain County.

Bok Tuklo County stopped existing when Oklahoma became a state on November 16, 1907.