Changes

The creation of Oklahoma emerged in the early days 1800s based on decisions to force Native Americans, mostly from the southern United States, to the area that became Oklahoma. Changes in the borders of Indian Territory and settlement gradually led to the emergence of Oklahoma territory after the Civil War. The state was declared in 1907, but by then Native Americans lost political power in the state. The recent Supreme Court ruling may, however, put some of that power in the hands of Native Americans in eastern Oklahoma, although it is likely to be limited.