Nuyaka facts for kids

Nuyaka is a small community in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, in the United States. It's located about 7.4 kilometers (4.6 miles) southwest of Beggs. You can find it west of the city of Okmulgee, just off SH-56. The Old Nuyaka Cemetery and the historic Nuyaka Mission site are also nearby. This area was once very important. It was a center for traditional Creek people who wanted to keep their old ways of life in the late 1800s.

What is Nuyaka?

Nuyaka is a small, quiet place in Oklahoma. Its elevation is about 224 meters (735 feet) above sea level. For a long time, Nuyaka was known as a place where many Creek people lived who wanted to hold onto their traditions. They didn't want to adopt the new ways of life that were becoming common around them.

Where Did the Name Nuyaka Come From?

The name Nuyaka has an interesting story! It's believed to come from the Creek people's way of saying "New York." This is because a long time ago, President George Washington met with 26 Creek chiefs in New York City. They talked about a treaty and giving some Creek land to the U.S. Government. The Creek chiefs were so impressed with New York City that they named one of their towns in what is now Alabama after it. This first Nuyaka town was on the Tallapoosa River. Sadly, it was destroyed during the Creek War in 1813 and was never rebuilt. Today, that old site is part of the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park.

Nuyaka in Oklahoma: A Place of Tradition

After the Muscogee (Creek) Nation moved to Indian Territory (which is now Oklahoma), they gave the name Nuyaka to a new town near Okmulgee. This new Nuyaka was mostly settled by full-blood Creek people. They strongly believed in keeping their tribal culture and traditions alive.

The Green Peach War: A Disagreement

After the American Civil War, Nuyaka became the center of a disagreement. Some full-blood Creeks felt that the official Creek Nation government, led by Samuel Checote, was moving too far away from their traditional ways. They wanted to keep their tribal culture and make sure the land belonged to the whole tribe, not individuals. This group was led by Lochar Harjo and later by Isparhecher. This disagreement was called the Green Peach War. Even though it was called a "war," it was mostly settled with very little fighting or bloodshed. It showed how important their culture and land were to the people of Nuyaka.

Nuyaka's Railway Days

In 1921, Nuyaka became the end point for the Oklahoma-Southwestern Railway. This train line started in Bristow and passed through Slick. During the oil boom around 1922, Nuyaka's population grew to about 600 people. This was enough to have daily passenger train service! But by 1929, the population had dropped to only about 50 people. Train service became less frequent, running only three times a week. By 1930, the railway line was completely shut down.