Chickasaw National Capitol Building (1898-1970)

By 1894, the brick capitol was deemed unsafe and scheduled to be torn down.  Demolition on the building didn't actually start until 1897.  Construction of the granite Romanesque style Capitol began in 1898 under Governor Robert M. Harris.  The granite used on the outside of the Capitol was quarried on the allotment land owned by Governor Harris.

In November of 1898, after seven months of construction, the new Capitol was completed.  Although Governor Harris was resposible for the construction, Governor Douglas Johnston was the first Chickasaw Governor to hold office in the Capitol.  The granite Capitol served the Chickasaw Nation until Oklahoma statehood in 1907.  At that time, the Chickasaw Nation was forced to leave their building, which was to be used by Johnston County as their Court House.

The Chickasaw Nation under the leadership of Bill Anoatubby, purchased the Capitol, making the last payment in 1989.

The Capitol Building was put on the National Register of Historic Buildings in 1971.  Restoration of the historic Capitol Building was completed in 2004.  The main exhibit area in the Capitol focuses on Chickasaw history from 1856 through 1907 and is located on the first floor.  There is also information and old photographs illustrating the construction and dedication of the Capitol Building.  A re-creation of Governor Douglas Johnston's office and the National Vault are part of the Capitol's new exhibit areas.