Alikchi Court Ground

The Choctaw carried their political map west with them. Citizens of each of the three districts east of the Mississippi largely stayed together in the new country and kept the old names: Moshulatubbee in the northeast, Pushmataha in the southwest and Apukshunnubbee in the southeast, the district this court served. In the constitution they made in the West, the three district chiefs formed the executive, a council made the laws, courts formed the judicial branch, and a mounted lighthorse enforced the law. In 1842 a new constitution created a two-house legislature.

What the plaque says

Alikchi Court Ground Nearby Alikchi Springs was site of court ground for Apukshunnubbee District, Choctaw Nation, 1838-1906. Justice dispensed here for major crimes committed by Choctaws, including capital punishment. Last legal execution under Choctaw law carried out here July 13, 1899, when William Goings was executed for murder by Sheriff Tom Watson before hundreds of witnesses. Alikchi is Choctaw word for medicine man (currently refers to medical doctor).

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Fort Towson Historic Site — 14 mi
  The 1824 Red River post where arriving Choctaw and Chickasaw families were dispersed after removal, beside the site of Doaksville, the Choctaw capital where Stand Watie surrendered in 1865.
• Beavers Bend State Park — 23 mi
  Pine and hardwood Ouachita hills where the Mountain Fork leaves Broken Bow Lake, a 1930s CCC park named for a Choctaw citizen, with trout water, a 26-mile ridge trail and the Forest Heritage Center.

More markers nearby

• Elliott Academy — 12 mi
• Clear Creek Water Mill — 12 mi
• Transportation Crossroads — 14 mi
• Wheelock Mission — 15 mi