Saline Courthouse Museum Information

Built in 1884, the Saline Courthouse is the only one of nine original Cherokee district courthouses in Cherokee Nation still standing today. Located near Rose, Oklahoma, it sits on 14 rural acres, along with a springhouse and historic cemetery. Though it only served as a courthouse for 14 years, the site has a rich history and features rotating exhibits on the history and culture of the Cherokee Nation. Tour the site and surrounding grounds to experience the history of Cherokee justice and more.

THE STRUCTURE
The 2,700-square-foot building served as a Cherokee judicial courthouse from 1884 until 1902, when tribal governments were temporarily dissolved by the Curtis Act. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The site is also known for a dark piece of history from September 1897, when a local store owner's unsolved murder escalated into a historic shootout/massacre at the courthouse involving local law enforcement

In 2019, restoration of the courthouse was completed and the property became the Saline Courthouse Museum, which is operated by Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism. The Saline Courthouse Museum is open to the public.

THE GROUNDS
The picturesque, spring-fed property sits on the headwaters of Snake Creek and contains a historic springhouse, nature trails, and the historic Teehee Cemetery. Visitors are welcome to bring food for outdoor picnics.

EXHIBITS
In a new exhibit at the Saline Courthouse Museum, “Victoria Vazquez: From the Earth,” visitors will see the breadth of Victoria’s artistic work: from early days learning with her mother, Cherokee National Treasure Anna Mitchell, to more recent works that honor tradition.

“Victoria Vazquez: From the Earth” will be on display in the Saline Courthouse Museum from May 19 until September 12, 2026.