Territorial Era

Astute leadership and strategic negotiating skills put the Chickasaws in charge of their own removal, faring much better than the first four southeastern tribes to move west. Yet threats from other Indian nations, the Chickasaws' gradual separation from the Choctaws, the outbreak of the Civil War and influx of white settlers leading up to Oklahoma's official statehood, all made this a challenging time for the Chickasaw Nation.

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Governor Benjamin Burney

Served in Shocoe's Chickasaw Battalion of Mounted Volunteers
Burney served the Chickasaw Nation and its government as national treasurer and governor.

Governor Benjamin Overton

A firm advocate for the Chickasaw people with a no-nonsense reputation
Overton had a lifelong interest in the tribal affairs of the Chickasaw Nation serving in the Chickasaw legislature and as a delegate in Washington.

Governor Cyrus Harris

Instrumental to the implementation of the first Chickasaw government and constitution
Harris was the first governor of the Chickasaw Nation and was at the core of implementing the first Chickasaw government and constitution.

Governor Douglas H. Johnston

The first Chickasaw governor to be appointed by the president of the United States
Johnston was the very first governor to be appointed by the president of the United States and served as the Chickasaw governor for over 30 years.

Edmund Pickens

His extensive service helped lead the Chickasaw people towards progress and independence
Pickens was a leader among native people and his foresight helped create a strong Chickasaw Nation.

Governor Jonas Wolf

Known for being a man of rugged integrity
Jonas Wolf served as a governor of the Chickasaw Nation and in the tribal legislature in addition to being an ordained Presbyterian minister.

Governor Palmer S. Mosely

Considered one of the most notable and proficient interpreters in Chickasaw history
Mosely served as the 20th and 23rd Governor of the Chickasaw Nation and began his career as the interpreter for the Chickasaw legislature.

Governor Peter Maytubby

A member of the Dawes Commission who helped find fraudulent claims of Chickasaw citizenship
Maytubby was a full-blooded Chickasaw Indian and served as captain for the Confederate Army in the Civil War and was also a Chickasaw governor.

Governor Robert M. Harris

Worked diligently to help the Chickasaw people as the 21st governor of the Chickasaw Nation
Harris was dedicated to serving the Chickasaw people and worked diligently to improve the education and overall progress of the Chickasaw Nation.

Governor William Byrd

Conscientious and resilient in pushing for independent status for the Indians
Byrd attended the Chickasaw Academy before enlisting in the Civil War. He later become governor of the Chickasaw tribe and a successful business man.

Governor William Guy

Fought to allow mixed-blood Chickasaws to have the same rights as full-blooded Chickasaws
William Guy had a decorated military career in the Civil War and went on to serve as secretary of the Chickasaw senate and Chickasaw Nation governor.

Governor Winchester Colbert

Worked tirelessly as a diplomat to establish the Chickasaw tribe's sovereignty
Colbert worked tirelessly as a diplomat to establish the Chickasaw tribe's sovereignty and separation from the Choctaw Nation.