History & Culture

Take your family on a history lesson through Chickasaw Country with its rich First American culture and Western history. You can spend days going through the spectacular, unique locations and museums.

The Chickasaw Cultural Center is a chance to explore the rich history and culture of the Chickasaw Nation. As one of the largest tribal centers in the United States, this 184-acre campus connects visitors to the amazing Chickasaw way of life. 

Tishomingo is a beautiful, historic gem rich in First American history. Named after the heroic Chickasaw Chief, Tishomingo is the historic capital of the Chickasaw Nation. It houses several locations special to the history of the Chickasaw people, including the Chickasaw Capitol Building and the Chickasaw Council House Museum.

For western history, the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center will take you back to when the iconic Chisholm Trail led cattle from south Texas to northern states. An estimated 3 million head of cattle crossed through Oklahoma between 1867 to 1877.

There is no shortage of fine art. From the Ada Arts and Heritage Center to the ARTesian Gallery & Studios in Sulphur to arts festivals and markets throughout the year, Chickasaw Country is rich in art and culture.

To discover the History and Culture of Chickasaw Country check out one of the many itineraries found here.



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  1. Chickasaw Cultural Center

    Sulphur, OK

    The Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma, offers a world of opportunity to learn and connect with First American history. Watch the story of the Chickasaw people unfold before your eyes through powerful performances, reenactments,...
  2. Boggy Depot Park

    Atoka, OK

    Bask in the beauty of Oklahoma's outdoors at Boggy Depot! A restful place for both recreation and campers, Boggy Depot Park is open year-round and located in Atoka County, OK. Boggy Depot Park received its name from Clear Boggy Creek and was...
  3. Chickasaw Bank Museum

    Tishomingo, OK

     Plan a Historical Visit to the Chickasaw Bank Museum! The Bank of the Chickasaw Nation opened in 1901 and came to ruin in 1909 when a cashier and part owner absconded with the money (around $40,000) and was never caught or brought to justice....
  4. Chickasaw Council House Museum

    Tishomingo, OK

    The first Chickasaw Capitol House built in Indian Territory is preserved inside the museum along with a beautiful collection of pottery, jewelry, beadwork, artifacts, Chickasaw artwork and archives. The Chickasaw Council House Museum is located...
  5. Chickasaw National Capitol

    Tishomingo, OK

    In April 1898, construction began on the Chickasaw Nation Capitol in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. This Victorian, gothic-style structure is more than 8,000 square feet and was built of red granite from the Pennington Creek quarry of Gov. R. M. Harris....
  6. Chickasaw Press

    Ada, OK

    Read about Chickasaw Nation history in Ada, Oklahoma! In 2006, the Chickasaw Press was established as an entity of the Chickasaw Nation in response to the basic need of the Chickasaws to own their history. Conveniently located in Ada, the...
  7. Chickasaw White House

    Milburn, OK

    Once considered a mansion on the great frontier, this Victorian style home served as the private residence of Chickasaw Gov. Douglas H. Johnston and his extended family for decades. Built in 1898 in the town of Emet, Oklahoma, 3 miles south of...
  8. Chokma'si Gallery

    Ada, OK

    Explore a Gallery of First American Art at The Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities in downtown Ada. Come see Chokma'si Gallery, a Chickasaw Nation-owned facility housing an art gallery with authentic works of art handcrafted by...
  9. Fort Washita Historic Site & Museum

    Durant, OK

    Located in Durant, Oklahoma, Fort Washita was built in 1842 and served as a former United States military post in northern Bryan County. The mission of Fort Washita was to protect the Chickasaw and Choctaw tribes from the Plains Indians and was...
  10. Kullihoma Grounds

    Allen, OK

    See a glimpse into the past at the Kullihoma Grounds! Located ten miles east of Ada, OK, the Kullihoma Grounds is a Chickasaw tribal reserve that serves as a favorite gathering place for the Chickasaw people. It once was actively used as a stomp...
  11. Chisholm Trail Heritage Center

    Duncan, OK

    The historic Chisholm Trail led cattle from south Texas to northern states. It played a significant role in the development of the American West, driving millions of cattle through Oklahoma between 1867 to 1877. Named after trader Jesse Chisholm,...
  12. Forgotten Wheels Museum

    Davis, OK

    If you have a love of motorcycles and antique vehicles, then the Forgotten Wheels Museum is a must-stop visit for you! See classic motorcycles, cars, riding accessories, other memorabilia and more! Pick up souvenirs such as t-shirts, gifts, and...
  13. Greater Southwest Historical Museum

    Ardmore, OK

    Explore Historical Treasures at the Greater Southwest Historical Museum. Located inside the old Ardmore National Guard Armory built in 1936 by the WPA, the Greater Southwest Historical Museum tells the captivating history and culture of...
  14. Ada Arts and Heritage Center

    Ada, OK

    Built in 1939 as the Ada Public Library, the Ada Arts and Heritage Center is a non-profit organization that now serves as a museum which rotates art displays from local, regional and national artists. It has an amazing collection of historic...
  15. First State Bank Museum

    Elmore City, OK

    Over 110 Years of Banking History! First State Bank Museum is a historical banking building dating back to the early 1900s. The building is constructed of hand-molded sand blocks from a nearby creek. J.P. Gibson, a local businessman, and local...
  16. Foreman Prairie House Historic Site

    Duncan, OK

    Built by W.T. Foreman, this architecturally and historically significant 1918 brick home offers a look into the early Oklahoma lifestyle. Its grounds, gardens and collections provide tourism, artistic, educational and entertaining programs for...
  17. Gene Autry Museum

    Gene Autry, OK

    Explore an old B-Western gem! Do you ever wish they still made classics like the old B-Westerns movies with their singing cowboys, lovely ladies and striking horses? Although those films are now only a part of history, there's a very special...
  18. General Tommy R. Franks Birthplace

    Wynnewood, OK

    Take A Patriotic Drive by the Birthplace of General Tommy R. Franks! Wynnewood is the birthplace of the United States military hero, General Tommy R. Franks. Of his four-decade military career, General Franks is most famous for his leadership as...
  19. Grady County Historical Society Museum

    Chickasha, OK

    Head to Chickasha for a Historical Outing! The Grady County Museum is housed in the former Dixie Department Store building, renovated to house the museum. The museum contains Grady County history from all decades. Collections include early...
  20. Hampton House Museum

    Rush Springs, OK

    Explore the home of one of Rush Springs most notable residents! The Hampton House Museum is one of the most historically treasured attractions in Rush Springs, Oklahoma. The museum was the original home of Dr. P. J. Hampton, one of the first...
  21. Healdton Oil Museum

    Healdton, OK

    Venture back in time at the Healdton Oil Museum! Located in Healdton, OK, the Healdton Oil Museum offers a glimpse into the early days of the oil boom in Carter County. The museum pays tribute to one of the greatest oil booms in Oklahoma, which...
  22. Love County Military Museum

    Marietta, OK

    Honor Our Fallen Troops At The Love County Military Museum! The Love County Military Museum, located in Marietta, OK, is dedicated to honoring the military men and women from Love County who lost their lives fighting for our country. The museum...
  23. Love County Pioneer Museum

    Marietta, OK

    Come Explore Pioneer Life At The Love County Pioneer Museum! The Love County Pioneer Museum, located in Marietta, OK, stands as a tribute to the first pioneers who settled the Love County area. The Pioneer Museum features a large collection of...