Native American History

Though Native American history can be seen almost anywhere in the United States, it is especially predominant in the state of Alabama. In fact the name Alabama is an Indian word meaning “campsite”, it is also the name of one of the major tribes that originally inhabited that area. Alabama was also home to the Biloxi, Cherokee, Muskogee, Chickasaw, Koasati, and Choctaw tribes.

Many of the members of these tribes were forced from their homes in Alabama with the Indian Removal Act in the 1800’s. They were forced to move to reservations in Oklahoma and other western states.

The state of Alabama honors its rich Native American history with the Indian Mound and Museum. This museum can be found in Florence and is home to an enormous exhibit of Native American artifacts and relics. There are many beautiful displays giving chronological and cultural meaning to the pieces.

In addition, the city of Fort Mitchell houses the Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Center. Other tributes to Native American history in the state include the Oaksville Indian Mounds Education Center and the Moundville Archaeological Park.

Other sites in Georgia that pay tribute to Native American history include Horseshoe Bend national Military Park, where General Andrew Jackson defeated Chief Menawa and his warriors. In addition, in Eufala’s Old Creek Town Park there is a historic marker in remembrance of Chief Eufala. The chief gave a historic speech in front of the state legislature in 1836 before leading the rest of his tribe on their journey west on the Trail of Tears.

Today Native American history is being preserved in Georgia by the remaining tribes, bands, and communities that remain there. These include the Cherokee, Echota, Lower Creeks, Choctaw, and Muskogee. However, the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama today is the Poarch Creek Indians.