Tishomingo (Oklahoma)

Tishomingo is a city of 3,000 people (2019) in the Chickasaw Country of Oklahoma. It was the capital of the Chickasaw Nation, from 1856 until Oklahoma statehood in 1907. It is the home of Murray State College.

Understand
The Chickasaw settled on Choctaw lands in the Indian Territory following the Trail of Tears. The nation became independent in 1856 when a treaty was signed in Washington giving the Chickasaw Nation full ownership of 4,707,903 acres of land and the right of independent government. The Chickasaw modeled their government after the United States, moving from a tribal council to a three-branch system consisting of legislative, executive and judicial branches. It created its first constitution in 1848, and elected officers in 1857. Tishomingo became the nation's capital at this time, having received its name from the Chickasaw warrior of the same name, Chief Tishomingo, who had died en route to Oklahoma.

Do

 * Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge - Drive through thousands of protected acres flourishing with natural plants, trees and wild flowers. See whitetail deer, the "flying lemon", otter, rabbit, squirrel, and more. Walk through monarch flower beds and skip rocks on the Cumberland Pool of Lake Texoma.
 * Blue River Public Fishing & Hunting Area - Make sure you have a valid hunting or fishing license, or pick up a weekend conservation pass to enter the area. Hike trails, cross over the low water bridge and view beautiful falls. Great for fly fishing rainbow trout, swimming and camping.