Tensaw

Journey of Bartram Through Alabama

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

William Bartram traveled through the Creek Nation and Mobile, where he observed a town with a mix of inhabited and abandoned structures, primarily occupied by the French and British settlers. He noted the prominent Indian trade conducted by Swanson and McGillivray and described the well-managed plantations along the Tensaw River. In Pensacola, Bartram received warm hospitality from local officials. His journey also included visits to various plantations and Indian towns, culminating with his return to Mobile and further travels into the Creek territory with a caravan of traders.

The Creek War – Indian Wars

general jackson

In the spring of 1812, Tecumseh inspired Southern tribes, including the Creeks, to join hostilities against American settlers. Despite initial reluctance, the Creeks engaged in violent raids, culminating in the surprise attack on Fort Mimms in August 1814, resulting in significant casualties. General Andrew Jackson led retaliatory campaigns, ultimately defeating the Creeks at the Battle of Tohopeka in March 1815. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Hickory Ground, marking the subjugation of the Creek nation and their relocation east of the Coosa River.