Construction began April 1898 on the Chickasaw National Capitol. 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 Nov. 17, 1898, and served as the Chickasaw National Capitol until 1907.
The Chickasaw Nation Historic Capitol Building 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 Nation Historic Capitol Building serves as a museum and a reminder that the Chickasaw people fought for their tribal identity and independence. Admission is free, and group tours are available by reservation and are limited to 14 people per tour. To reserve a group tour, please contact the Chickasaw Nation Historic Capitol Building.
Museum Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Closed for federal holidays