How did James J. McAlester contribute to economic development in Indian Territory

James J. McAlester contributed to the economic development in Indian Territory by making many lucrative coal claims and later on establishing McAlester Coal Mining Co.

As a prominent, merchant, and influential leader in the state of Oklahoma; James J. McAlester serves as the United States Marshal for the Indian Territory. He even contributed to the development of the Choctaw Nation in Indian Territory by providing farmers, coal miners, and other populations banking services from his business store.