Benson Pikey

Born in Mississippi about 1837, Benson Pikey came to Indian Territory when the Chickasaw were forced to leave their Homelands.

Pikey was active in Chickasaw politics and a  successful businessman. He was elected to the Chickasaw House of Representatives where he served as Speaker of the House.

Pikey ran a successful ranch that covered more than 1,000 acres. He established one of the most important cattle crossings of the Chisolm Trail, Pikey’s Crossing. Pikey’s Crossing later became the main crossing point on the South Canadian River between Chickasha and Oklahoma City.

Pikey was granted permission by the Chickasaw Nation to help build a 50-mile fence along the South Canadian River. The fence protected Chickasaw lands from livestock theft and other criminal activities on the lands bordering the river.