Choctaw Lighthorsemen
Choctaw Lighthorsemen were a hard fighting body of men, with a reputation for straight shooting and hard riding. The Treaty of Doak’s Stand in 1820 provided an annual appropriation of $600 for the purpose of organizing and maintaining the Lighthorsemen. The first corps were organized in 1824 with a primary purpose of settling difficulties. The Lighthorsemen had the authority to arrest, try and punish violators of tribal law.By the mid-1800’s the Choctaw Lighthorsemen no longer had judicial duties, but did continue to make arrests and carry out the sentences of the courts. By the beginning of the 20th Century, the Lighthorsemen’s job consisted mainly of keeping peace. Today, a Choctaw Lighthorseman is selected to serve in the Tribal Court system.
