Tishomingo in Johnston County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

The National Jail

Photographed By James Hulse, September 12, 2021

1. The National Jail Marker

Inscription. Built in the 1890's, the National Jail and jailor's home (shown in photograph below) were located north of the Capitol Well. Although the Chickasaw Constitution established the National Jail in 1857, it is unclear where prisoners were held prior to construction of this facility.

The jailor did not carry out the sentence, that responsibility was left to a sheriff or constable. Punishment could mean anything from lashes to a sentence of death. Lashes were delivered at the whipping tree that was believed to be located in this area. Hangings took place on a gallows located in close proximity to the jail.

Duties of the National Jailor
• Take into custody and house offenders found guilty of crimes against the Chickasaw Nation.
• Perform duties incumbent on the sheriff or constable.
• Reside in sight of jail in order to feed all prisoners, provide them with water three times a day, and keep jail clean.
• Responsible for keeping keys to the Capitol and preventing anyone from entering during vacation term, except those permitted by law.
• Required to clean Capitol before and after legislative meetings, district court hearings, elections, and religious services.
• Oversee inmate work projects around Capitol.
• Responsible for all furniture and any other items

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belonging in the Capitol and accountable for any lost, stolen or damaged items.
• Responsible for any furniture purchased for prisoners while in jail and accountable for any lost, stolen or damaged property.

Map
Lower Right: Original Jail Location

Erected by Chickasaw Historical Society and Chickasaw Nation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Law Enforcement • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 34° 14.298′ N, 96° 40.78′ W. Marker is in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, in Johnston County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of West 9th Street and North Capital Avenue. The marker is located on the northeast corner of the Chickasaw National Capital Building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 411 West 9th Street, Tishomingo OK 73460, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lost and Found (here, next to this marker); The Capitol Well (here, next to this marker); Douglas H. Johnston (within shouting distance of this marker); Chief Tishomingo (within shouting distance of this marker); Chickasaw Capitol Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Chickasaw Capitol (within shouting distance

The National Jail Marker looking toward the north image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, September 12, 2021

2. The National Jail Marker looking toward the north

of this marker); Red Man's Pledge of Peace (within shouting distance of this marker); Piominko (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tishomingo.

The view of the National Jail Marker at the Capital Well image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, September 12, 2021

3. The view of the National Jail Marker at the Capital Well

The marker is the marker on the right of the three markers at the well

Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 11, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.