Vickipedia

INDIAN TERRITORY, a country reserved by the government of the United States for the Indian tribes removed west of the Mississippi, and those living there. It lies between 33° 30′ and 37° N. lat., and 94° 20′ and 103° W. long., being 370 miles long-by 220 wide, with an area of 74,127 square miles. It is bounded on the N. by Kansas, E. by Arkansas, S. and W. by Texas, from which it is separated on the south by the Red River. It is a beautiful country, with vast fertile plains, watered by innumerable streams, including the Red River, the Arkansas, and their branches. The climate is genial, producing cotton, tobacco, maize, wheat, and fruits. Coal, iron, zinc, copper, salt, and petroleum springs abound. Its population of about 70,000 consists of Cherokees, Creeks, Seminoles, Choctaws, Chickasaws, and remnants of smaller tribes. The principal tribes are in a high state of civilization, and, except the Seminoles, all possess a written constitution and code of laws. In 1880, there were nearly 100 schools maintained among the Cherokees, Choctaws, and Chickasaws. Many of the Indians cultivate large plantations.