Between Two Fires; The Creek Murders and the Birth of the Oil Capital of the World
- 392 pages
- 14 hours of reading
The Dawes Commission aims to dismantle the Muscogee-Creek Nation by allotting communal lands to individuals, reflecting the forced assimilation prevalent in 1920s Oklahoma. SAM DAVIS, a charming half-breed, navigates real estate deals between illiterate Creeks and opportunistic whites, thriving amidst the oil boom in Tulsa. However, his success contrasts sharply with the alarming reports of missing and murdered Creeks. When tasked with locating MILLIE NEHARKY, a missing Creek girl, Sam encounters ZITKALA-SA, a passionate Lakota-Creek activist from the Indian Rights Association. Zitkala is dedicated to protecting the Creeks and uncovers a conspiracy to seize Creek allotments in the Glenn Pool, a major oil reservoir. Their investigation leads them to Tulsa City Hall and the ambitious mayor, JOHN SIMMONS, who envisions transforming the city into The Magic City. As Sam becomes increasingly embroiled in the conspiracy, he also reconnects with his Native identity. Amidst the turmoil, he and Zitkala engage in a tumultuous love affair while battling Simmons and his oil baron allies. Zitkala must confront a painful secret regarding Millie, while Sam faces the urgent call of his Creek heritage.
