Cherokee County Genealogy Resources

Named for the Cherokee Nation, Cherokee County was created in 1906.  Tahlequah, the county seat, has been the capital of the Cherokee Nation since 1844.  Cherokee County’s past is rich in the culture and history of the Cherokee Nation, and many of its historic landmarks still stand today including the Cherokee National Supreme Court Building and the Cherokee Female Seminary.  Outdoor recreational opportunities in the area can be found at Sequoyah State Park, Fort Gibson Lake and Cherokee Landing State Park.  Visitors to Cherokee County will also enjoy camping along the Illinois River and visiting the renowned Cherokee Heritage Center.

In 2000, census records showed 42,521 people living in Cherokee County.  Countless assets exist for tracing genealogy in Cherokee County including legal records, cemetery records and a local historical society.  Valuable resources for researching genealogy in Cherokee County are provided below, including a list of existing towns, the county courthouse address, a detailed map of the county and a list of cemeteries located within the county. 

Cherokee County Courthouse Information

Cherokee County Clerk
213 W. Delaware
Tahlequah, OK  74464
Telephone:  (918) 456-3171

Directions:  On the square at Muskogee Ave. & Delaware St.

Records available:  Court Clerk has marriage divorce and civil court records from 1907; County Clerk has land records.

Detailed Map of Cherokee County

Search for cemeteries, highways and scenic sites, or examine county and township lines with this detailed map of Cherokee County. 

Existing Towns in Cherokee County

While researching your family history in Cherokee County, be sure to visit the following city hubs located in the area.

The following towns and cities are located in present day Cherokee County, Oklahoma.

Ghost Towns in Cherokee County

The following towns and cities either no longer exist in Cherokee County or are still populated, but significantly less so than in years past.  These towns and cities are commonly referred to as "ghost towns."

Cemeteries in Cherokee County

The following cemeteries are located in present day Cherokee County, Oklahoma.

Libraries in Cherokee County

Historic Newspaper Archives of Cherokee County

Tahlequah News

Tribal Nations in Cherokee County

Additional Genealogy Resources for Cherokee County

Cherokee County on OKGenWeb: Oklahoma Genealogy & History

Cherokee Heritage Center Archives
Cherokee Heritage Center
21192 S. Keeler Dr.
Park Hill, OK  74451
Telephone:  (918) 456-6007

Cherokee National Historical Society
Cherokee Heritage Center Genealogy Department
P.O. Box 515
Tahlequah, OK  74465

Places to Visit in Cherokee County

While researching your family history in Cherokee County, be sure to check out the following attractions in Cherokee County.