Tishomingo (known as "Tish" by locals) is the county seat of Johnston County and was the first capital of the Chickasaw Nation. Named in honor of the Chickasaw Chief, Tishomingo, the City of Tishomingo is rich in history and natural beauty. Constructed from local granite, the 1898 Chickasaw Capitol Building and the 1902 Harris Building highlight the historic district along Capitol Avenue. Two Oklahoma governors, William H."Alfalfa Bill" Murray, and his son, Johnston Murray, were from Tishomingo. Scenic Pennington Creek flows through the city and into the adjoining National Wildlife Refuge. Murray State College, a public community college with transfer and vocational programs, provides educational opportunities and cultural enrichment.

One of the oldest towns in Oklahoma and rich in a background of historical and cultural associations, Tishomingo has grown as a city of homes, schools and churches. With a population that has never exceeded thirty-five hundred, the town has developed many of the conveniences of more populous cities without the civic problems that confront the larger industrial centers. Eight churches hold regular services in the town. Adding materially to the general desirability of the town and college is Lake Texoma, one of the largest manmade lakes in the world. 

There is a lot to do in and around Tishomingo and Johnston County. When country superstar Miranda Lambert opened her own hometown store "The Pink Pistol" the town has exploded in not only with more stores and boutiques but with new restaurants, making Tishomingo one of the top tourist destinations in Oklahoma. Today, Ole Red is where The Pink Pistol once stood and is bringing in even more people into our small town. With sightings of local Blake Shelton to friends including Trace Adkins, Adam Levine, Carrie Underwood, Gwen Stefani, etc., our small town is a hub for celebrities these days! In 2015, Tishomingo Main Street was ranked #1 in the State of Oklahoma by onlyinyourstate.com!

There are also many campgrounds, lakes and rivers for swimming and fishing, trails for hiking and bicycling, nature areas for bird watching and animal viewing. Try visiting the National Wildlife Refuge, the Blue River Recreation Area, Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery, or Pennington Creek Park.

Ole Red's opening night - Thousands flocked Tishomingo's Main Street to see Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and several other award winning artists.

Places to stay

  • Blake Shelton, country music star & CMT Music Award winner, star of "The Voice"
  • Gwen Stefani - Three Grammy Award winner - Founder & lead singer of "No Doubt"
  • Miranda Lambert, country music star and MCT Music Award winner - (former resident)
  • Neill Armstrong, Chicago Bears Head Coach, 1979–1982, NFL Champion player in 1948
  • and 49 with the Philadelphia Eagles, 2-time All-American at Oklahoma A&M (Oklahoma State University)
  • Alfred P. Murrah, federal district judge; The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building (destroyed in 1995) was named after him in 1977.
  • William H."Alfalfa Bill" Murray, 9th Governor of Oklahoma
  • Johnston Murray, 14th Governor of Oklahoma (son of William H. Murray)
  • Randy Rutherford, Former Oklahoma State All-Big 8 basketball guard. Former Murray State Mens Basketball Head Coach
  • Crystal Robinson, Former WNBA player and coach, former Murray State College Womens Basketball Head Coach
  • Joe Adkins, Former Oklahoma State All-Big 12 basketball guard. Former Murray State Mens Basketball Assistant Coach
  • Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation
  • Linda Hogan (writer), Native American Storyteller
  • Paul D. Roan, Former Oklahoma House of Representatives

Sights & Things to Do

The Ladysmith

Sipokni West outside Tishomingo

Restaurants


Notable People with Tishomingo Ties

Ole Red, just one part of our top ranked Main Street


Award winning dentist building award winning smiles!