The city of Tulsa is transferring ownership of a historic landmark, the Council Oak tree, to the Muscogee Creek Nation, which considers the site a sacred reminder of its new home after its removal on the Trail of Tears.

Tulsa Mayor GT Bynum and Muscogee Chief David Hill agreed to the transfer, which could be completed by the end of the year.

The City of Tulsa will continue routine maintenance on the property, while MCN will manage it, according to the City.

“There’s always been a sense that the right owners of this are the people of Muscogee Creek,” Bynum said. “Decisions about what happens on this sacred land should be made by the Muscogee Creek Nation in the future and that is why we are initiating this transfer.” of land.”

Bynum said the City took possession of the property that is now Council Oak Park in the 1970s when a developer planned to clear the property, but instead agreed to a land swap. The adjacent Stick Ball Park is also part of the move.

The tree was on the site in 1836 when a group of Creeks reached the top of a hill overlooking a river and decided to start their ceremonial fires there.

From that place arose a tribal city, later Tulsa.

“This is important to us as a community as we continue to find ways to appropriately honor the origins of our city. “Tulsa would not exist if it were not for the Muscogee Creek Nation, and this is one way we can properly recognize that.”