[2] The county was created at statehood from part of the Chickasaw Nation in Indian Territory.

According to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, Pontotoc is usually translated "cattail prairie" or "land of hanging grapes.

The present Pontotoc County was part of the land that the U.S. government granted in 1830 to the Choctaw tribe via the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek.

However, few Chickasaw settled there until after the Civil War, mainly because of attacks by various Plains Indian tribes.

Camp Arbuckle was established to protect migrants traveling on the California Road.

Cattle raising reemerged as the major industry, and the county is sometimes called "Hereford Heaven.

"[3] Other important economic activities include limestone quarrying, cement production, light manufacturing, services and government.

The city of Ada is the headquarters of the Chickasaw Nation, and the base of the Carl Albert Indian Health System.

[3] School districts include:[13] The following sites in Pontotoc County are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: