Chapter 4: Oklahoma in Early America

European Claims Spain claimed Florida, Texas, and California. The English settled colonies along Atlantic coast. France had trading posts in Canada, the Great Lakes, and Mississippi River basin. Russia advanced into Alaska.

European Claims

Indian Relations Europeans pitted tribe against tribe in trade. Tribes pitted the Europeans against each other. Choctaws usually favored the French. Chickasaw friendly with the British, but against the Choctaws and French. The battle of the Twin Villages resulted as Spain tried to slow the advance of the French.

The French and Indian War The French and Indian War (1756-1763) was a series of wars between Britain, France, and Spain. In 1762, Spain entered war in exchange for the Louisiana territory (including Oklahoma). With the Treaty of Paris, France lost lands in N. America.

The French and Indian War In 1763, a treaty signed regarding encroachment onto Indian lands. Lines were established beyond which the British promised not to settle.

The Colonists Revolt The Revolutionary War begins in 1775. The Declaration of Independence signed July 4, 1776. France and Spain pledged support for the United States in 1778. Cherokee and Creek Indians joined the British in the war and suffered great loss.

New Political Power Americans wanted access to more lands and travel on the Mississippi River. Caused conflict with Spain. Pinckney’s Treaty (1795), Americans gained navigation rights on the Mississippi. Trails were found to connect trading posts. Great Spanish Road, trail from Santa Fe to, Natchitoches, LA.

Section 2: The Louisiana Purchase

Introduction The U.S. able to purchase the Louisiana Territory from France. Oklahoma part of the District of Louisiana.

Louisiana Purchase

Exploring the Louisiana Purchase 1803: President Jefferson set up expedition to explore the new lands to the Pacific Ocean. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the Corps of Discovery began in 1804 venturing up the Missouri River. Returned in 1806 and had traveled 4,000 miles to the Pacific Ocean and back.

The Sparks Expedition Sparks Expedition sent explore the southwestern part of the Louisiana Purchase (1806). Capt. Richard Sparks, led the journey up the Red River. Stopped by a Spanish army near the edge of Oklahoma. Sparks turned back.

The Pike-Wilkinson Expedition Zebulon Pike explored the Arkansas River. Lt. James Wilkinson led a part of Pike’s group to explore the Arkansas River. Wilkinson’s team shared information about the Osage, Cherokee, Choctaw, and Creek in Oklahoma. Pike continued west and was arrested by Spanish soldiers.

The Sibley Expedition George C. Sibley was sent to search for a rumored “salt mountain” (1811). Explored Nebraska, Kansas, and into northwest Oklahoma. Described the “Grand Saline”, 20 miles of salt, 2-6 inches deep.

The Long Expedition Stephen H. Long made two trips into Oklahoma. Established, Fort Smith (1817). Expeditions were made along the Red and Arkansas Rivers. Long returned with information about plant, animals, and geography of the region. Area labeled the “Great American Desert”.

The Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819 John Quincy Adams (U.S.) and Luis de Onís (Spain) worked out a treaty. Spain sold Florida to the U.S. for $5 million. Boundary was set between Texas and Louisiana. Spain claimed area south of the Red River. Spain gave up claims on Oregon territory.

The Three Forks Area Trading posts were established at the meeting of the Arkansas, Verdigris, and Grand Rivers. Osage villages traded furs for European goods. Game became scarce, and fur trade slowed in eastern Oklahoma. Salt, lead, pecans, and grain were exported from Three Forks.

Opening Trade Routes Thomas James, Hugh Glenn, and Nathaniel Pryor led groups from St. Louis toward Santa Fe. William Becknell established the Santa Fe trail. Hundreds of people and wagons began to move westward. Caused rapid changes in the lives of American Indians.