On June 5, 2026, 32 descendants of Choctaw statesman and former Principal Chief Allen Wright gathered at the Choctaw Nation headquarters to mark the 200th anniversary of his birth and honor his lasting contributions to the Choctaw Nation and the state of Oklahoma.
As part of the event, Gary Batton shared remarks through a recorded video message and signed a proclamation officially recognizing June 5, 2026, as Chief Allen Wright Bicentennial Day.
Alexandria Gough and Allen Wright take a look at Chief Wright’s journal, which has been donated to the Choctaw Cultural Center.
During the event, a descendant, also named Allen Wright, donated a journal containing Chief Wright’s handwritten sermons and biblical teachings to the Choctaw Nation.
Alexandria Gough accepted the gift on behalf of the Choctaw Nation Cultural Center, where it will help preserve a significant piece of Choctaw history for future generations.
Born in Mississippi in 1826, Allen Wright moved with his family to the Choctaw Nation in Indian Territory as a child following removal. Wright’s birthname was Kilihote, but he was given an “English” name upon attending school in 1834.
A Presbyterian minister, educator and statesman, Wright held numerous leadership roles, including as a member of the Choctaw General Council, national treasurer and principal chief of the Choctaw Nation. He is best known for proposing the name Oklahoma during discussions about the future of Indian Territory after the Civil War.
Wright’s influence extended beyond government service. A graduate of both Union College and Union Theological Seminary in New York, he dedicated much of his life to faith, education and the advancement of the Choctaw people.
Like many aspects of his era, Wright’s story is complex. To learn more, visit choctawnation.com or okhistory.org.
