Bok Tuklo County, Choctaw Nation facts for kids
Bok Tuklo County was a special area, like a county, within the Choctaw Nation. This was before Oklahoma became a state. It was part of a larger area called the Apukshunnubbee District. Today, you would find this area in McCurtain County.
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History of Bok Tuklo County
What's in a Name? The Meaning of Bok Tuklo
The name "Bok Tuklo" comes from the Choctaw language. "Bok" means "creek," and "tuklo" means "two." It was named after two creeks, Lukfata Creek and Yasho Creek. These creeks flowed side-by-side through the county.
Where Was Bok Tuklo County Located?
Like all Choctaw Nation counties, Bok Tuklo County's borders were set using natural landmarks. The Little River formed its southern and eastern edges. Its eastern border followed a specific part of the Little River.
Bok Tuklo County shared borders with four other counties:
- Eagle County to the east
- Red River County to the south
- Towson County to the west
The main town, or "county seat," was Oak Hill. This was a meeting place, but it no longer exists today.
How Bok Tuklo County Was Governed
Bok Tuklo County was important for elections. People voted here for members of the National Council. It also served as a local government area.
Leaders were elected for two-year terms. These included:
- County Judge: This person oversaw how the county was run.
- Sheriff: The sheriff collected taxes and kept an eye out for people trying to enter the land illegally. They also helped count the population.
- Ranger: This person was in charge of selling lost or stray farm animals.
The End of Bok Tuklo County
Why Counties Changed for Statehood
When Oklahoma was becoming a state, leaders realized that the Choctaw Nation's counties, though well-designed, wouldn't work as new state counties. Most county seats were just for courts, not large towns.
In 1905, a group met to propose a new state called State of Sequoyah. They also suggested a new county system that would get rid of the old Choctaw counties. Bok Tuklo County was planned to become part of a new McCurtain County.
Two years later, Oklahoma's leaders used many of these ideas. The area that was once Bok Tuklo County became part of McCurtain County.
Bok Tuklo County officially stopped existing when Oklahoma became a state on November 16, 1907.
