Sallisaw's Origins
This portion of Oklahoma that is now Sequoyah County has been a possession of four nations: Spain, France, the Cherokee Nation Indian Territory, and the United States. Sallisaw, the County seat, is situated at the southern edge of the famed Cookson Hills. It is located on two trunk line railroads and served by Highways 59 and 64 as well as Interstate 40.
Sallisaw derived its name from the French word "Salaisea," or salt provisions. Salt deposits along the streams in this area furnished salt used by buffalo hunters and early settlers to preserve meat. Evidence of old salt kettles is still found in the county.