Indian Territory
| Construction Cost | $15,930 (equivalent to $480,437 in 2021) |
|---|
Indian Territory's building is one of the first buildings the visitor sees when they entered the grounds of the Plateau of States.
Etymology
Before the Fair
Description
The Indian Territory was a large tract of land west of the Mississippi that was set aside for the relocation of five tribes of Native Americans. Overlooking the lawn were the great trees that shaded the two stories building that covered an area 109 by 72 feet. It was one of the most dignified of state structures, in the style of a Southern mansion. It represented the rise and progress of the future commonwealth.
The buildings southern room contained children's art from the Indian schools.
In another room, over 500 photographs of the vast resources and industries of the Territory and scenes from the principal cities and towns. Also, one could view a portrait of Thomas Jefferson painted by a Cherokee squaw as well as fine bead work.
The second floor of the Territory Building contained a large reception hall, ladies' parlors and resting rooms, and the offices of the executive commissioner. An especially attractive feature about the pavilion were the large stair landing and the five big windows, two transparencies being set in each and representing typical scenes from the Territory.
These habitations were erected by the Indians themselves. The exhibit was remarkable for its beauty and extent. In the model dining room the tables, dishes, napkins, rug, floor, chairs, wall paper, and general furnishings were all manufactured by pupils of the Chilocco School.
An information bureau was situated inside the building.
On October first, souvenir lapels of a red feather with a silhouetted Indian head were given out.
The Indian Territory later became part of Oklahoma in Nov. 16, 1907 when Oklahoma became a state.
Because of its limited funds the Territorial commission deemed it advisable to make exhibits only at the Palace of Mines and Metallurgy, where the territory displayed the coke and coal, marble, granite, and oil exhibits. The corn and cotton exhibits were shown in the Palace of Agriculture. In the Horticultural Building, exhibits of the orchards and gardens of the Indian Territory were maintained.
