Construction began April 1898 on the Chickasaw Nation Capitol Building. A stately structure overlooking the town of Tishomingo, it was built of red granite from the Pennington Creek quarry of Gov. R. M. Harris. Granite blocks weighing 175 lbs. per cubic foot were pulled to the Capitol grounds by horses and mules.

Completed in seven months for a total cost of $15,000, the Victorian, gothic-style building is over 8,000 square feet. It was dedicated on November 17, 1898, and served as the Chickasaw Nation Capitol until 1906.

The Chickasaw Capitol was sold to Johnston County in 1910 for $7,500. Negotiations for repurchasing the building were first started by Governor Overton James in the 1960s. Tribal ownership was reclaimed by Governor Bill Anoatubby in 1992 for the sum of $575,000.

Today, the Chickasaw Capitol building serves as a museum and a reminder that the Chickasaw people fought for their tribal identity and independence. Guided tours are available Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is free, and large groups are required to make reservations in advance.

The Chickasaw Capitol building is located at 411 W 9th St., Tishomingo, Okla.  To make reservations or for general information about the Capitol building, call (580) 371-9835.