New Information Center; Ground broken in Tishomingo

This article appeared in the August 2015 edition of the Chickasaw Times

TISHOMINGO, Okla. - Governor Bill Anoatubby led groundbreaking ceremonies for a new Chickasaw Nation Information Center in the heart of downtown Tishomingo, Tuesday, June 30.

Joined by more than 200 tribal officials, local leaders and citizens, Gov. Anoatubby said the Information Center was designed to shine a light on the many attractions the Tishomingo area has to offer. It is also an opportunity for the Chickasaw Nation to enrich its partnership with the historic city.

“Tishomingo is a special place for Chickasaws,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “This area holds many reminders of our history and tribal identity. We are excited to see the Tishomingo area grow and we look forward to sharing the Chickasaw story with visitors. This new information center will add to the productive partnerships we have with Tishomingo, Johnston County and Murray State College.”

The Information Center will serve as a gateway to the many attractions in this historic section of the Chickasaw Nation, including the Chickasaw Capitol Building and Council House Museum, Chickasaw White House, Tishomingo Wildlife Refuge and Blue River.

Located at the intersection of Capitol and Main Street, the 10,700 square-foot Information Center will house the Chickasaw Nation Tourism Department, tribal Office of Special Events, Johnston County Chamber of Commerce and Johnston County Historical Society.

Almost 3,000 square feet of the building will be dedicated to tourism promotion. Kiosks filled with information about the Chickasaw Nation and the Tishomingo area will be featured.

The building will include a conference room, hospitality bar, full kitchen and restroom facilities all designed to accommodate large groups. A separate 2,600 square-foot storage building will also be on the property

The Chickasaw Nation’s connection with the area dates back to Removal. In 1856, Chickasaws gathered at Pennington Creek to draft a tribal constitution.

The Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival is hosted each fall in Tishomingo. The event draws thousands of visitors from across the country.

“Without fail, the community always gives us a warm welcome,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “The Chickasaw Nation is pleased to be a part of these positive developments.”

In addition to the Information Center, the Chickasaw Nation is building several facilities in Tishomingo to improve services to citizens, including a new Senior Center and Head Start.

About Tishomingo

Tishomingo is the historic capital of the Chickasaw Nation and the county seat of Johnston County. Thousands of people from across the U.S. flock to the community to attend the week-long Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting and Festival.

Nestled within Johnston County, Tishomingo has an endless variety of entertainment options. From downtown boutique and antique shopping to the great outdoors, there is something to suit everyone’s taste.

For more information about Tishomingo and Chickasaw Country, visit www.chickasawcountry.com.