The Chickasaw tribe moved into the McClain County area around 1837, the land had already been assigned to the Choctaws by the U.S. government. In 1855, the area became part of the Chickasaw Nation after the two tribes officially separated. The present McClain County then became part of Ponotoc County until Oklahoma attained statehood. In 1889, Purcell was the starting point for the “Land Run,” in Oklahoma.
McClain County today is the home to many popular living areas including: Purcell, Lexington, Washington and Wayne to just name a few.