TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Lewis Downing served as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation for 15 years, following the death of Chief John Ross in 1866. A new exhibit at John Ross Museum explores the change in leadership and Downing’s efforts to rebuild the Cherokee Nation in the years following the Civil War.
“The Life of Lewis Downing” exhibit runs July 14 through Dec. 31.
The John Ross Museum highlights the life of John Ross, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation for more than 38 years, and houses exhibits and interactive displays on the Trail of Tears, Civil War, Cherokee Golden Age and Cherokee Nation’s passion for education. The museum is housed in an old, rural school building known as School #51 and sits at the foot of Ross Cemetery, where John Ross and other notable Cherokee citizens are buried. The John Ross Museum is located at 22366 S. 530 Rd. in Park Hill, Okla.
Cherokee Nation museums are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am – 4pm.
Info: (877) 779-6977 or visit www.VisitCherokeeNation.com.
– Cherokee Nation
