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detail
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To Chuck Hoskin Jr.
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guest opinion. Before Will Rogers became a world-famous performer, actor and social commentator, he was a young Cherokee who grew up on a ranch near Lake Woologa. Today, the Cherokee Nation has purchased the historic Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch from Oklahoma. This acquisition marks a milestone for Cherokee cultural tourism and honors the legacy of a world-class celebrity with deep Cherokee roots.
The completed transfer from the Oklahoma Historical Society will allow Cherokee Nation to invest in the necessary maintenance and develop the 162-acre site to its full potential as a destination for tourists from around the world. We are pleased to incorporate Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch into our award-winning network of museums and historic sites throughout our reservation.
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We are more committed than ever to telling the world the story of the Cherokee Nation. For generations, others have tried to tell our story, sometimes well-meaning, but often twisting it to their own ends. By extending the story of Will Rogers to his small country childhood upbringing, his home and family, The Cherokee Nation will continue to build on the larger story of the Cherokee Nation and our enduring contribution to our Oklahoma heritage. will be shared. Today we have the resources to tell our story.
The ranch holds great significance in Cherokee history beyond its connection to Will Rogers. First built in 1873, it has served as an important meeting place for commercial, government and community gatherings. It is a reminder of the resilience of the Cherokee, who not only survived but thrived after being forced to relocate to the area.
The Cherokee Nation’s acquisition of this priceless property ensures its preservation for future generations to explore and appreciate. Through our work with the State of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Historical Society, we are able to provide Cherokees and all Oklahomans with a better understanding of the region.
Also, the economic benefits of cultural tourism cannot be underestimated. As the Cherokee Nation strengthens and promotes Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, we promote prosperity in Rogers County and its surrounding communities. Attracting more tourists will spread the benefits to local businesses, create jobs and grow the economy as a whole.
Importantly, our $1 million investment in this property will benefit the local economy and help further preserve the story of Will Rogers. Every penny spent on the acquisition of Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch will be reinvested in the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in nearby Claremore.
Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch is a testament to a great family and Cherokee tribe. The Roger family believed they could make something out of this land and bring the future to generations of the Cherokee people. At the same time, they feared that persistent federal policies aimed at exterminating the Cherokee would endanger the survival of the Cherokee. We are proud to present this complex chapter of American history as part of an unforgettable Cherokee experience.
Chuck Hoskin Jr. is a chieftain of the Cherokee Nation.
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