In 1855 was dedicated to Chickasaw tribe and in 1902 the Chickasaw sold the springs and 640 acre buffer to the department of interior wish the stipulation that the springs and the parks would be open to everyone for all generations. It was then exspanded in 1906 and in 1976 it was exspanded again and designated at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
I believe since the early 1900's.
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