Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

The Great Seal of the Choctaw Nation


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posted on September 20, 2013

Why was some Choctaw family’s alotted land in Chickasaw country?

rayson allen rayson allen

posted on September 20, 2013

This answer is a long one. Prior to removal, in Mississippi, these tribes were distinct, enemies at different times, but shared a common language and a similar culture. In 1830 the Choctaw Nation ceded their lands in Mississippi and were removed to the Indian Territory, So were the Chickasaw. Many Choctaw received land grants in Mississippi per the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830, which were exchanged for lands in the Indian Territory. The Trail of Tears occurred 1831-1833. Those Choctaws forced out of their homes in Mississippi but got no compensation for their value were issued scrip (vouchers) for land in Indian Territory (circa 1840-1845)
However, the Treaty of 1837 between these two tribes and the USA mandated that the two tribes co-exist and share the same lands in Indian Territory. The Treaty of 1854 addressed the way land should be divided between the two tribes and surveys were done. In 1861 both tribes joined the CSA Confederacy and fought with the South in the Civil War. A new Treaty with the USA in 1865 reestablished loyalty and land possessions of both nations in Indian Territory.In 1866 new Treaties with the USA now mandated that both Tribes set aside land for recently freed African Americans, called “freedmen”. Although Choctaw families lived on their inherited land, they did not “own” them, as all Choctaw and Chickasaw land was held in common by the Nations until 1896. That is when the Dawes Commission showed up. They sought to end national sovereignty and allot (give title to deed) to individuals identified as Native Americans, Choctaw and Chickasaw. The Atoka Agreement of 1897 and The Curtis Act of 1898 specified the division of lands among the Choctaw and Chickasaw. As a result of all this mess, when things were sorted out (circa 1910) there were Choctaws that owned land in Chickasaw Country and Chickasaws that owned land in Choctaw Country. Add to this mess the many intermarriages between the two Tribes, which changed land ownership to the husband’s name and the fact that the Chickasaw Nation refused to recognize that Chickasaw Freedmen were entitled to land, so the Dawes Commission enrolled them as Choctaw Freedmen, along with any land holdings they might have had. To add to this, late arrival Choctaws and Mississippi Choctaws were given land in Indian Territory wherever it could be found (within the two nations) to meet their agreed allotment. Many in my family living at that time owned land in both the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations. Usually the lands were sold if they were not lived on by the allotted family. Hope this answers your question!