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Chickasaw Council House: A Glimpse into the Nation's Past

Explore the historical Chickasaw Council House along the Natchez Trace Parkway, a significant landmark of the Chickasaw Nation's past.

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The Chickasaw Council House, situated along the Natchez Trace Parkway, marks the site of Pontotock, an important 1820s Chickasaw village and council meeting place. It serves as a poignant reminder of the Chickasaw Nation's history and their eventual removal from this land.

A brief summary to Chickasaw Council House

  • Natchez Trace Pkwy, Shannon, Mississippi, 38868, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the peaceful, natural surroundings.
  • Check for local events or guided tours to enhance your understanding of the site's history.
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Getting There

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    The Chickasaw Council House is located directly on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 251.1. From the Tombigbee National Forest, head south until you reach the intersection with Natchez Trace Parkway. Turn right onto Natchez Trace Parkway and continue for approximately 10 miles. There is no entrance fee.

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Discover more about Chickasaw Council House

The Chickasaw Council House, located on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Shannon, Mississippi, offers a window into the history of the Chickasaw Nation. This site was once the location of Pontotock, a Chickasaw village that served as the nation's capital in the 1820s. Here, chiefs and headmen gathered to establish laws and policies, and to meet with representatives of the U.S. government. Each summer, thousands of Chickasaw people would camp near the Council House to receive annual payments for lands sold to the U.S. government. However, this period of self-governance was short-lived. The Treaty of 1832 marked the surrender of the Chickasaw's remaining land, leading to their forced removal to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. The Council House itself eventually disappeared, but its memory persists in the names of a Mississippi county and town that were carried west by the Chickasaw people. Today, the Chickasaw Council House serves as a historical landmark along the Natchez Trace Parkway. While the original building is gone, the site offers a place for reflection on the Chickasaw Nation's legacy and their connection to this land. Visitors can experience a serene natural setting and contemplate the significant gatherings that once occurred here.

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