In 1837 the majority of the Muscogee tribe members were forced to move west by the U.S. government during the Trail of Tears . Survivors of the trek arrived in what was called the Indian Territory and held a meeting at the historic Council Oak Tree in the city of Tulsa , Oklahoma . During the American Civil War , tribal unity was tested when many tribe members participated on both sides of the conflict , despite attempts by leaders of the tribe to keep it neutral . In 1867 the Muscogee ( Creek ) Nation was established in the Indian Territory , with its governmental headquarters in the city of Okmulgee . The next year a double-log two-story council house was constructed to conduct tribal business . On October 17 , 1877 an act was passed by the council and approved by Chief Ward Coachman appropriating $ 10,000 for the construction of a new capitol building of stone or brick upon the site of the log council house . On January 10 , 1878 the old Council House was sold for $ 60 , with the tribe reconvening at the new Council House on September 23 . The new Council House contained separate chambers for the executive and judicial branches of the government , with the legislative branch divided into the House of Kings and House of Warriors
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Creek National Capitol