Fort Toulouse

Bossu’s Visit To The French Forts Upon The Alabama And Tombigby Rivers

History of Alabama and incidentally of Georgia and Mississippi, from the earliest period

Captain Bossu, dispatched by Governor Kerlerec from New Orleans, reached Fort Toulouse after a lengthy journey up the Alabama River. He encountered Creek and Alabama tribes, noting their prosperity and peaceful relations. The fort’s command saw tensions with Jesuit missionaries, highlighted by a scandal involving a complaint against the fort’s commander, Montberaut. Bossu’s detailed account also described interactions with local leaders, the hospitality of the tribes, and the changing landscape due to colonial expansion, foreshadowing the eventual transfer of Louisiana to British control.

Tuskegee Indians

The Tuskegee Tribe, with an uncertain name possibly linked to the term “taska,” meaning warrior, was originally located near the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers and also on the upper Tennessee River. Historically, they appear in records as early as 1540 with references to settlements named Tasqui and Tasquiqui. The Tuskegee divided into bands, one eventually merging with the Cherokee, while another settled in present-day Alabama. Their name remains significant in locations such as Tuskegee, Alabama, known for the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute.

Pawokti Indians

The Pawokti Tribe, whose name’s meaning remains unknown, likely had connections with the Tawasa or Alabama and spoke a Muskhogean dialect. They were originally located west of the Choctawhatchee River, near the Gulf of Mexico, until displaced by northern Indians, likely Creeks, around 1706-07. Although their name is absent in known French records, they were presumably near Mobile and settled on the Alabama River by 1799, having likely been there since 1717, with their history subsequently merging with that of the Alabama.

Tawasa Tribe and Pawokti Tribe

The Tawasa Tribe, first noted by Ranjel and the Fidalgo of Elvas during the De Soto expedition, was situated between Ulibahali and Talisi. They relocated southeast by 1706, facing destruction from neighboring tribes. Seeking refuge with the French in Mobile by 1705, they were granted land but eventually disappeared from records around 1715. They are believed to have migrated upstream along the Alabama River, aligning with the Alabama tribe’s fortunes. Their name persisted through census records, indicating their lasting presence in the region.

Pakana Tribe

The Pakana were likely a distinct group incorporated into the Muskhogean confederation, as noted by Adair and Stiggins. Their ancient town, Puccun Tal ahassee, located in present-day Alabama, is remembered primarily through tradition. The tribes experienced continuous intermarriage and eventual assimilation, leading to the loss of their distinct identity. Some Pakana migrated to Louisiana after initially settling near Fort Toulouse, with records showing their existence as a small group in Calcasieu River. Their language was reportedly different from that of neighboring tribes.