Once a part of Arkansas, this county was created at statehood, and named for the Sequoyah District of the Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory. Sequoyah was the Cherokee linguist who developed an alphabet for his people. Sallisaw is the county seat.
In 1816 the land encompassing Sequoyah County was purchased by Major William Lovely from the Osage Indians as a hunting outlet for the Cherokees. During the removal of 1835, a group of Cherokees settled permanently in this area. Tahlonteeskee, located in Sequoyah County, was the Cherokee capital until 1839.
Agriculture is a mainstay of the county's economy, with grain and cattle being major products. Applegate Cove, Cowlington Point, and Short Mountain Cove are among the many campgrounds available in the county. Lake Tenkiller and Robert S. Kerr Reservoir also afford recreational opportunities. Blue Ribbon Downs racetrack, Oklahoma's first pari-mutual horse racing track, is another county tourist attraction, as is Sequoyah's home in Sallisaw.
For more information, call the county clerk's office at 918/775-4516. County narrative provided courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries from the 2002-2004 Oklahoma Almanac.
| Population Totals | ||
| 2000 Census | 2010 Census | |
| Sequoyah | 38,972 | 42,391 |
| Median Age: | 36.4 | 39.0 |
| Median Household Income: | $27,615 | $36,357 |
Colleges and Universities
Carl Albert State College at Sequoyah County
County Government
County Seat: Sallisaw
Court Clerk - Vicki Beaty, D, Roland
Clerk - Vicki Sawney, D, Sallisaw
Sheriff - Ron Lockheart, D, Sallisaw
Treasurer - Tricia Yates, D, Sallisaw
Assessor - Donna Graham, D, Sallisaw
Election Board Secretary - Kathy Webb, D, Roland
Commissioners:
District 1 - Ray Watts, D, Roland
District 2 - Steve Carter, D, Vian
District 3 - Jim Rogers, D, Sallisaw
