Tishomingo was the capital of the Chickasaw Nation, which was organized in 1856 under a written constitution. It was named for the revered Chief Tishomingo, who died on the Trail of Tears during Indian Removal from Mississippi. The last Chickasaw Governor was Douglas H. Johnston, who served 39 years. The stone capitol was built in 1897. The Chickasaw Academy for boys opened in 1851, about 3 miles southeast.