Clay County GA

Sawokli Indians

Sawokli Tribe: Possibly meaning “raccoon people,” in the Hitchiti language, and, while this is not absolutely certain, the okli undoubtedly means “people.” Sawokli Connections. The Sawokli belonged to the Muskhogean linguistic stock and to the subdivision called Atcik-hata. (See Apalachicola.) Sawokli Location. The best known historic location was on Chattahoochee River in the northeastern part of the present Barbour County, Ala. (See Florida and Georgia.) Sawokli Villages Hatchee tcaba, probably on or near Hatchechubbee Creek, in Russell County, Ala. Okawaigi, on Cowikee Creek, in Barbour County, Ala. Okiti-yagani, in Clay County, Ga., not far from Fort Gaines. Sawokli, several different … Read more

Native American History of Clay County, Georgia

Clay County is named after United States Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky/ Clay was also a Secretary of State and Speaker of the House three times, while a Representative. The county seat of Clay County is the town of Fort Gaines. Clay County is bounded on the north by Quitman County, GA. On the south, it is bordered by Early County, GA. The county’s western boundaries are formed by the Chattahoochee River, the Alabama State Line, Henry County, AL and, Barbour County, AL. On the east, it is bordered by Calhoun County, GA. On the northeast, it is bordered by … Read more

Kolomi Tribe

The earliest mention of Kolomi town is contained in a letter of the Spanish lieutenant at Apalachee, Antonio Mateos, in 1686. A translation of this has been given in considering the history of the Kasihta. The town was then probably on Ocmulgee River, where it appears on some of the very early maps, placed close to Atasi. From the failure of Mateos to mention Atasi it is possible that that town was not yet in existence. From later maps we learn that after the Yamasee war the Kolomi settled on the Chattahoochee. The maps show them in what is now Stewart … Read more

Muskogee Indians

Yoholo-Micco. A Creek Chief, from History of the Indian Tribes of North America

The Muskogee, often referred to as the Creek tribe, are a Native American group whose name’s origin is uncertain, possibly deriving from Shawnee language referring to swampy ground. The Cherokee called them Ani’-Gu’sa, meaning “Coosa people,” and they were known by various names among different tribes. The Muskogee language belongs to the Northern division of the Muskhogean language family. Historically, the Muskogee inhabited areas from the Atlantic coast of Georgia to central Alabama, with numerous towns and villages. Their significant role in regional history includes interactions with European explorers and settlers, alliances, and conflicts, culminating in their forced relocation to Oklahoma in the 19th century. The Muskogee population has fluctuated over time, with early estimates in the thousands and later censuses reflecting both decline and dispersal. Their cultural and historical impact is notable, especially in the formation of political confederacies and mound-building traditions.