This act granted federal governmental agencies to compact with tribes to provide services to tribal citizens in the areas of health and education.

Governor Cyrus Harris, first elected in 1856, served for five terms. He is buried in Drake, Oklahoma.

The first treaty signed by the Chickasaw Nation and the United States. It served as a non-aggression pact and formally defined the Homeland boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.

Governor Jonas Wolf, first elected in 1884, served two terms, during which he opposed allotment. He was buried on his family farm in Johnston County, Indian Territory, where he spent most of his life.

This critical treaty signed by the Chickasaw Nation, the Choctaw Nation and the United States, finalized the agreements necessary for the United States' implementation of forced Chickasaw Removal from our aboriginal Homeland. Contrary to Chickasaw negotiation goals, this treaty made the Chickasaw Nation a district within the Choctaw Nation in Indian Territory, a confederation of the two Tribes that would last nearly 20 years.

Governor Burney was born on a steamboat traveling up the Red River during Removal and was named after the vessel’s captain, Benjamin Crooks. In 1878, he was elected Governor, serving from 1878-80.

After meetings took place the previous fall, a constitution was approved to help unite tribal issues and “promote the common welfare of the American Indian.”

Governor Guy was born in Indian Territory and served in the Civil War battles of Bull Run and Gettysburg. In 1870, he was elected Governor serving from 1886-88.

Governor Overton served four terms. He was buried in Overton Cemetery near Willis, Oklahoma and was reinterred at the New Willis Cemetery during construction of Lake Texoma.

Governor Maytubby served from the end of the Great Depression until he died in office. His appointment by the U.S. government included a call for the liquidation of the remaining Chickasaw tribal lands. He is buried in Oklahoma City.

The establishment of the housing authority was a first step in developing housing services for the Chickasaw Nation.

Created in the wake of the 1887 Dawes Act, the commission was established to convince the Five Civilized Tribes to agree to cede tribal title of Indian lands and accept the allotment of lands to individuals.

A battle between Spanish explorers and Chickasaws. This battle defeated De Soto and his men in the Chickasaw lands in present day Mississippi. De Soto and his men lost many supplies, livestock, horses, weapons and food. They soon moved out of Chickasaw lands and it was more than 150 years later before Europeans entered again.

The bureau was formed to oversee and carry out the Federal government's trade and treaty relations with the tribes.

A favorite recreation area of Chickasaws for generations, the park located in Sulphur, Oklahoma, was one of the first national parks ever established.

A battle between Chickasaw, French and Iroquois, Miami, Illinois and Arkansas tribes. This battle was supposed to be part of a coordinated attack by French and Indian forces from the north and south. However, the southern forces were delayed and the French commander Pierre d’Artaguette attempted to capture a Chickasaw village and wait for the reinforcements. This proved fatal to d’Artaguette as his forces were defeated and the Chickasaw captured his supplies and munitions.

The tribe opened the new headquarters with a reception. With the opening of this new building, the tribal headquarters was moved from the Chickasaw Motor Inn in Sulphur, Oklahoma to Ada, Oklahoma.

Governor Harris was born near Tishomingo, Oklahoma. He was elected in 1896 and served as Governor from 1896 to 1898. After serving as Governor, he became the first president of the Chickasaw Bank.

This act was passed to protect individual freedoms of tribal citizens and non-citizens on tribal lands. It covers most of the rights found in the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and applies them to tribal governments. One of the most important rights for tribes was freedom of religion and tribes could once again openly practice their ceremonies.

The society was established by tribal law, working toward the mission of promoting, preserving and protecting Chickasaw culture and family traditions.

The act was part of the “Indian New Deal” with the aim of providing funding to support Native Americans receiving education, health care and other support, especially in rural areas.

The fort was established near present-day Davis, Oklahoma. When built, it was one of the westernmost forts constructed in Indian Territory. The fort served as a supply garrison for several years before it was vacated in 1870, when Fort Sill was established further west. (There were two Fort Arbuckles, this one was the latter fort established)

Governor Byrd pushed for more independence for Chickasaws during his time as Governor. He is buried in Ada, Oklahoma.

The closing of the unassigned lands north of the Canadian River, the land run was one of the first steps toward Oklahoma statehood.

The fort was established shortly after Chickasaw Removal to satisfy treaty obligations by the United States to the Chickasaw. It was occupied by Confederate troops during the Civil War, who burned and abandoned it near the end of the war. Federal troops never reoccupied the fort.

Negotiators for the Chickasaw Nation, the Choctaw Nation and the United States developed this framework agreement to provide for allotment of communally held Tribal lands to individual Tribal citizens as a prelude to Oklahoma statehood. Chickasaw citizens rejected the agreement in a popular vote, but Congress later enacted the Curtis Act in 1898, which required the framework be resubmitted to Tribal citizens for another vote. Much of the substance of the Atoka Agreement and the Curtis Act were later integrated to the 1906 Five Tribes Act.

The act closed the Dawes Rolls and called for the sale of tribal properties. It also forced tribes to give up control of their schools.

In a landmark decision, the ownership of the Arkansas riverbed, which ran through the territories of each tribe, was determined to belong to the tribes rather than the state of Oklahoma.

At the end of the American Civil War, the Chickasaw Nation and other Five Tribes signed new treaties of friendship and alliance with the U.S., affirming the rights vested under prior treaties. This treaty, signed between the Chickasaw Nation, the Choctaw Nation and the United States, punitively stripped the two nations of its treaty land west of the 98th meridian. The Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations were the only governments to lose territory following the American Civil War.

When news of the battle of Fort Sumter reached Indian Territory, federal troops were already concentrated at Fort Washita. Their commander, Colonel Emory, led his forces north to Kansas while being pursued by 4,000 Texas militia. Confederate troops then occupied the fort, using it as a supply depot for the Chickasaw Battalion throughout the war. No battles took place, and Confederates burned much of the fort when they abandoned it at the end of the war.

Governor Maytubby served on the Dawes Commission and helped find fraudulent claims of Chickasaw citizenship. He was elected Governor in 1906, but never took office. He is buried in Kenefic, Oklahoma.

Agreed with the Chickasaw, Choctaw and Spain, this treaty sought to strengthen the friendship between nations and for the Chickasaw to relinquish the areas in which Fort Nogales and Natchez were located.

Governor Maytubby served out the remaining term of his nephew, Floyd Maytubby, who died while in office. He helped found the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. He is buried in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

By 1977, the Chickasaw Nation was operating multiple businesses. Construction began on a new building in Ada, Oklahoma to house the administration and training for the businesses and employees. In May 1978, a ribbon cutting took place to open the building and mark the beginning of Chickasaw Enterprises.

This treaty amended the Treaty with the Chickasaws of 1832. It guaranteed federal assistance in removing trespassers from Chickasaw lands and making provisions for the Chickasaw people to assume control over the disposal of their land.

Following the Union abandonment of Fort Washita and Indian Territory, the Chickasaw Nation declared independence from the United States and supported the Confederacy.

Between Chickasaw, French and Choctaw. This battle was the southern part of the campaign against the Chickasaw in 1736. The Chickasaw were aware of the force and made preparations. This force was led by Governor Jean-Baptist Bienville. The French and Choctaw were defeated.

This act removed Native American tribes from the Southeastern United States to lands West of the Mississippi River. These lands were to be in exchange for tribal homelands since time immemorial. The biggest proponent and supporter of this act was President Andrew Jackson.

Governor Guy served as both Governor and in the Chickasaw senate. He remained involved in Chickasaw affairs beyond his terms in government. He is buried in Sulphur, Oklahoma.

This act granted citizenship to all Native Americans who were born within the boundaries of the United States. Under the Dawes Act, if certain provisions were followed, individual Native Americans could become citizens. This act conferred U.S. citizenship upon all Native Americans whether they wanted to be U.S. citizens or not.

Tishominko was the Chickasaw Nation’s last traditional leader in the Tribe’s aboriginal Homeland. He was an ally of the early United States and served under General Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812, before retiring to his home near present-day Guntown, Mississippi. He was a principal signer in several treaties, including the Treaty of Pontotoc in 1832.

After a decade of lobbying and planning, Governor Overton James stood with the then-retired former Speaker of the House, Carl Albert, and opened the first Native American hospital within Chickasaw Nation boundaries.

After reaching a compromise that combined Oklahoma Territory with Indian Territory, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the act that began the process of Oklahoma statehood.

The act, signed by President Franklin Roosevelt, re-established a framework for implementing government-to-government Federal-Tribal relations, returned certain land and resource management rights to Tribes, and marked the Federal government’s formal reversal of its disastrous policy of the forced assimilation of Native Americans into United States culture. Congress enacted an Oklahoma-specific version of this act two years later, the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act.

This treaty, signed by the Chickasaw Nation and the United States, sought to expedite the sale of Chickasaw lands in the Tribe's aboriginal Homeland and provided protection for a tribal burial ground near Pontotoc, Mississippi.

This treaty, signed by the Chickasaw Nation, the Choctaw Nation and the United States, ended the period of the Chickasaw District within the Choctaw Nation and re-established the Chickasaw Nation's powers as an autonomous Tribal government under Federal law. Furthermore, the treaty led to Chickasaw citizens drafting and ratifying the first Chickasaw Nation constitution.

Signed between the Chickasaw and Spain which agreed to release Spanish captives held by the Chickasaw and to acknowledge that the Chickasaws were under Spanish protection.

The Indian Education Act was signed into law as Title IV of Public Law 92-318, Education Amendments of 1972, thus creating new educational opportunities for Native American children and adults. The Act was amended by the Education Amendments of 1974 and 1978. The Act provides financial assistance to local education agencies (LEAs), Native American-controlled schools, Native American tribes, Native American organizations, institutions of higher education, federally supported schools for Native American children, and State education agencies to meet the special educational needs of Native American children and adults. The Office of Indian Education is responsible for administering the Act.

The tribal reserve east of Ada, Oklahoma, serves as a gathering place for Chickasaws. It has several traditional buildings and is the location of the annual Chickasaw Reunion as well as traditional stomp dances.

The act authorized Oklahoma tribes to incorporate themselves for business purposes, adopt constitutions and elect officers. It also allowed the Secretary of the Interior to purchase trust lands.

Governor E.B. Maytubby was born in Maytubby Springs near Caddo, Indian Territory. He attended Chickasaw Male Academy in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and was a member of the first Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes. He served as Governor from May until October, 1963.

The Curtis Act formally allowed for allotment of tribal lands in Indian Territory of the Five Civilized Tribes. The act required that the tribes put the provisions of the Atoka Agreement to a vote with the implication that the tribes would vote favorably. The act took away the power of the tribes to determine their own citizenship and left it to the Dawes Commission. It also took steps to abolish tribal courts, legislatures and election by tribal citizens of their own leaders. It severely restricted the right of the tribal governments to effectively govern their citizens and provide for their needs.

Governor Johnston served as 22nd, 24th and 26th governor of the Chickasaw Nation during his career. He was the first Chickasaw governor to be appointed by the president of the United States in 1906. He served as the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation for more than 30 years, until his death in 1939. He is buried in Tishomingo, Oklahoma.

Chickasaw Agent John McIntosh Jr.’s farmstead in Natchez, Mississippi, was the site of the first Chickasaw Nation post office with McIntosh appointed postmaster. The second post office was established at his second homestead in Tockshish (meaning “tree root”). Both post offices were frequently utilized by travelers.

Jonas Wolf was born near present-day De Soto, Mississippi and moved with his family to Indian Territory during Removal in 1838. He had little formal education but was a skilled farmer and stockman. He was elected in 1884 and served two terms as Governor 1884-1886 and 1892-1894.

The original log house that served as the capitol building for the Chickasaw Nation in Indian Territory served as the seat of government from 1855 to 1858. The log house was moved to the family farm of Chickasaw Governor Harris. It was returned to the capitol grounds in Tishomingo in the 1930s where it stands to this day.

The first of many Chickasaws to leave the aboriginal Homeland began taking ferries across the Mississippi River. Over the next few years, Chickasaws would relocate to lands agreed upon between the Chickasaw Nation and the United States.

This treaty was signed by the Chickasaw Nation, the Choctaw Nation, and the Confederate States after the abandonment of Indian Territory by Union troops. The Chickasaws joined with the Confederacy who promised representation in the Confederate government.

The Chickasaws became the last tribe to surrender at the end of the Civil War. Although suffering hardships after the defeat of the Confederacy, the tribe regained prosperity.

Overton James became the first Governor elected in more than 60 years.

Governor Overton James Reelected to Third Term

Bill Anoatubby Elected as Tribe’s First Lieutenant Governor

After years of planning and construction, the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center opened, replacing the Carl Albert Indian Health Facility.

Overton James was born in Bromide, Oklahoma. He spent several years in the U.S. Navy before returning to Oklahoma to attend college and become an educator. He was first appointed Governor by President Kennedy in 1963 and served until 1971. He was then elected to four consecutive four-year terms.

By this treaty, the Chickasaw Nation ceded more than 2.25 million acres of its aboriginal Homeland to settle debts of more than $20,000 the United States alleged the Tribe owed to trading companies. This treaty marked the first of several land cession treaties Chickasaws were forced to sign prior to Removal.

The world-renowned tribal cultural center opened after decades of planning and input of Chickasaw citizens. The Chickasaw Cultural Center provides visitors a place to learn and embrace the rich history and traditions of Chickasaw culture and for citizens to explore and celebrate their heritage.

The 7 ½ foot tall bronze sculpture was included in the First Tennessee Heritage Collection. The collection was designed to help tell the history of Tennessee.

Governor Bill Anoatubby Reelected to Seventh Term

Governor Bill Anoatubby Reelected to Eighth Term

Governor Bill Anoatubby Reelected to Ninth Term

Governor Bill Anoatubby Reelected to Sixth Term

Governor Byrd was born in Marshall County, Mississippi and shortly after moved to Indian Territory with his family. He attended the Chickasaw Academy near Tishomingo and briefly served at the end of the Civil War. He was elected in 1888 and served two terms as Governor in 1888-90 and 1890-92.

All health facilities and hospitals for Native Americans were transferred from the Department of the Interior to the Department of Health, Education and Welfare (Department of Health and Human Services).

Douglas H. Johnston Elected Governor

The act restored basic civil liberties of Native Americans to practice religious and cultural practices that had been previously banned by the U.S. government. Before 1978, Native Americans had been forced to practice many traditions and customs in secret or face prosecution.

Palmer S. Mosely Elected Governor

Governor Bill Anoatubby Reelected to Fourth Term

Bill Anoatubby Elected Governor

Governor Bill Anoatubby Reelected to Fifth Term

A battle between English and northwestern tribes. Chickasaw warriors were used mainly as scouts during this battle.

Governor Bill Anoatubby Reelected to Second Term

Governor Harris was born near Pontotoc, Mississippi. He served as an interpreter at the numerous councils held to arrange details of Chickasaw Removal. After Removal, he settled on the Blue River and was a successful businessman. He was elected Governor in 1856 and served five terms, serving from 1856-58, 1860-62, 1866-68, 1868-70 and 1872-74.

Governor Bill Anoatubby Reelected to Third Term

In 1979, a draft of a new constitution was developed based on the 1856 version. In the four years that followed, tribal officials worked tirelessly to revise, update and formulate a constitution to fit the needs of a modern Chickasaw society. This was accomplished with the ratification of the official tribal constitution in 1983.

Working to establish a new form of Tribal government following, first, Chickasaw Removal to Indian Territory and, second, breaking the Chickasaw people’s forced confederacy with the Choctaw Nation, Chickasaws gathered at Good Spring (present-day Tishomingo) on Pennington Creek, Indian Territory, to draft their own national constitution. The document they produced, written in both Chickasaw and English, provided for a three-department system of government (executive, legislative and judicial) and articulated specific civil rights for Chickasaw citizens. As part of efforts to revitalize Chickasaw Nation government in the 1970s, Tribal leaders relied on this earlier text to reestablish the form and content of Chickasaw Nation government and self-governance.

Designed by Ted Key, the sunken garden was arranged in a formation of the 11 of the 13 counties that encompass the Chickasaw Nation. Twenty-five tons of Tishomingo rocks were imported from northern Mississippi for the garden. The garden includes multiple monuments honoring Chickasaw history.

Signed with the United States to cede Homeland in Mississippi for land west of Arkansas in exchange for payment and goods. After proper examination, a country suitable to the wants and conditions of the Chickasaws was not found, and the treaty was considered null and void.

The first business owned by the tribe and serving as the tribal headquarters, the travel lodge was an important first step in developing the Chickasaw Nation’s economic success.

Governor Mosely was born in Tam-a-ho-shay, Choctaw Nation and was educated in Nashville, Tennessee. He served as the interpreter for the Chickasaw legislature and later as a representative, as well as a judge. He was elected Governor in 1984 and served two terms in 1894-96 and 1902-04.

Governor James was the first governor elected after Oklahoma statehood. He served four appointed terms and four elected terms.

This treaty, signed by the Chickasaw Nation and the United States, ceded about 6 million acres of its aboriginal Homeland in present-day Tennessee and Alabama. In exchange, the tribe received a $12,000 annuity for 10 years.

Governor Overton James Reelected to Second Term

Signed with the Republic of Texas, this treaty established peace between the Chickasaw Nation and the Republic of Texas and eight other tribes.

Published by Governor Overton James, to connect citizens with their government. It began as a quarterly newsletter and provided updates on tribal affairs.

The Chickasaw Times began operations, featuring news and updates about the tribe and citizens around the world.

Governor James began his tenure as governor in a part-time capacity, but the needs of the tribe required him to leave his job as the State Director of Indian Education and fill his gubernatorial position full time.

Governor Overton James Reelected to Fourth Term

The nonprofit organization began with the mission to preserve, promote and protect Chickasaw culture and development. The foundation continues this mission today by supporting education, health, historical and community activities and programs.

Governor Maytubby was born in Mississippi and moved with his family to Indian Territory shortly after. He served as a captain in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. He was elected Governor in 1906 but never officially took office.

Governor Johnston was born in Skullyville, Indian Territory. He studied in Tishomingo and at Bloomfield Academy. He worked as a farmer and stockman, and later served as the superintendent of Bloomfield Academy.

This act set forth the system to authorize and regulate gaming on tribal lands. This allowed for tribes to set up and operate their gaming operations and to fund economic growth and services for their citizens.

This treaty, signed by the Chickasaw Nation and United States, negotiated the cession of aboriginal Chickasaw lands north of the Mississippi/Tennessee state line.

Governor James became the youngest Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, appointed at age 38. He would serve four appointed terms until being elected by vote in 1970.

This treaty, signed by the Chickasaw Nation and United States, formally ceded the remaining aboriginal Chickasaw Homeland in return for resettling Chickasaws on equal lands west of the Mississippi River.

These amendments were made two days following the signing of the treaty which were considered minor matters of clarification.

Signed with the United States, this treaty granted to the United States the right to build a wagon road through Chickasaw lands.

This act eliminated several assistance programs for housing and replaced it with a block grant program. This was another step in self-determination for tribes to better assist their citizens with quality and affordable housing.

This treaty set forth that the Chickasaw lands were a part of the United States and not part of Spanish holdings in the new world.

Signed with Spain. It provided diplomatic support from Spain regarding Indian land claims, including the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee and Creek, provided for annual distributions of gifts and for appointment of permanent Spanish Indian agents.

Governor Mosely served two separate terms, during which he signed the Atoka Agreement that began tribal land allotment. He helped draft the Supplemental Agreement that saved the tribe millions of dollars. He is buried at his family cemetery northeast of Bromide, Oklahoma.

Benjamin Franklin Overton was born in Mississippi and was orphaned early in his life. He attended the Chickasaw Male Academy in Tishomingo, Indian Territory, and displayed an early interest in politics. Before his election as Governor, he served in both the Chickasaw senate and legislature and as a delegate to Washington, D.C. He was elected in 1874 and served four terms as Governor from 1874-76, 1876-78, 1880-82 and 1882-84.

This act directed the Bureau of Indian Affairs should direct and expend monies from time to time for the benefit, care and assistance of Native Americans throughout the United States.

This treaty, signed by the Chickasaw Nation, the Choctaw Nation and the United States, set boundaries for the Chickasaw District to settle disputes over the exact boundary established by the Treaty of Doaksville between the two nations. This treaty initiated the separation treaty, ratified in 1856.

A battle between English and northwestern tribes, Piominko led a force of Chickasaws to scout for enemy tribes. They were on this mission when St. Clair's troops were defeated by the Northwestern tribes.

Signed with the State of Virginia to strengthen friendship, peace and trade relations between the two.

Governor Anoatubby was born in Denison, Texas, and grew up in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. He attended Murray State College in Tishomingo and East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. He served in several positions for the Chickasaw Nation’s health department before becoming the tribe’s first popularly elected Lieutenant Governor. He was elected Governor in 1987.

Governor Harris worked to improve tribal education by building and repairing schools throughout the nation. He oversaw the construction of the capitol building in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and improved the Chickasaw Nation’s business administration. He is buried in Tishomingo, Oklahoma.

Oklahoma statehood is unique in that it almost became two separate states. Leaders of the Five Civilized Tribes attempted to enter the Union as the state of Sequoyah. William “Alfalfa Bill” Murray was selected by Chickasaw Governor Johnston to represent the tribe. The Sequoyah movement failed, but Murray was instrumental in developing the constitution of Oklahoma that was ratified by President Roosevelt.

This act requires that tribes be consulted by federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding regarding items that are culturally significant. These include human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects and cultural items.

The Chickasaw Capitol in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, was authorized by Governor Robert Harris, who provided the stone used to construct the outer walls.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Herrington was born in Wetumka, Oklahoma, and was selected by NASA to become an astronaut after spending 11 years in the Navy. He flew on space shuttle Endeavour, logging 330 hours in space and 19 hours 55 minutes of extra-vehicular activity.

Floyd Maytubby was born in Caddo, Indian Territory. He served in World War I in an Army field artillery unit and worked in banking before his appointment as Governor by President Roosevelt in 1939. He served as Governor from 1939-63.

Governor Burney served for one term and was a proponent of education. He was a dedicated Christian and remained active in church life in his retirement. He was buried near his farm in Aylesworth, Oklahoma, and was reinterred at New Burney Cemetery 3 miles to the west during the construction of Lake Texoma.

With the expansion of the United States, European settlers moved into Mississippi. This led to land cessions that reduced Chickasaw ancestral Homeland to only the northern part of Mississippi. Chickasaws continued living in the Homeland which was now encompassed by the new state, though relations between the Chickasaw and Mississippi was mixed. Chickasaws and Choctaws eventually refused to cede any more of their lands to Europeans, leading to the 1830 Indian Removal Act.

The Spanish conquistador, Hernando De Soto, led an expedition from Florida in search of gold throughout the present-day Southeastern United States. His expedition led him into Chickasaw territory, where he stayed as a guest for a short time. De Soto quickly wore out his welcome, and the Chickasaws attacked De Soto’s camp. The conquistadors were driven out of Chickasaw territory and fled across the Mississippi River.

Between American and Creeks. Atkinson states that William Colbert fought in this battle. There is no mention of other Chickasaw forces in Atkinson or Halbert book at this particular battle.