TISHOMINGO, Okla. – Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby led groundbreaking ceremonies for a new Chickasaw Nation Information Center here in the heart of downtown, Tuesday, June 30.
Joined by an overflow crowd that included elected tribal officials, local political and civic leaders in addition to residents, Gov. Anoatubby said the Information Center is 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. 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,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “This new information center will add to the productive partnerships we have with Tishomingo, Johnston County and Murray State College.”
The new Information Center will serve as a gateway for the many attractions in this historic section of the Chickasaw Nation, including the Chickasaw Capitol Building and Council House Museum, Chickasaw White House, Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge and Blue River.
Located at the intersection of Capitol and Main streets, 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, with kiosks filled with information about the Chickasaw Nation and the Tishomingo area.
The building will feature 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 beyond 1856 when Chickasaw citizens gathered at Pennington Creek to draft the tribal constitution.
The Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival is conducted each fall in Tishomingo and draws thousands of visitors from across the country.
“Without fail, the community always gives us a warm welcome,” said Gov. Anoatubby,” adding that downtown Tishomingo has experienced a positive transition, with several new businesses. “The Chickasaw Nation is pleased to be a part of these positive developments.”
In addition to the Information Center, the Chickasaw Nation is constructing several facilities in Tishomingo, designed 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 weeklong 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.