Mobile

The French In Alabama And Mississippi

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

Following nearly a century and a half of European absence after De Soto’s invasion, French explorers, including Father Marquette and La Salle, began to navigate and document the Mississippi River. Their efforts established ties to France’s colonial ambitions, leading to the founding of Louisiana in honor of Louis XIV. As Iberville and his brothers pursued further colonization in the early 18th century, they faced challenges such as famine, conflicts with Indigenous tribes, and political strife among settlers. Ultimately, these factors severely impacted the colony’s stability and growth in Alabama and Mississippi.

Natchez, Mobilians, Chatots, Thomez and Tensas

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

In 1718, the French West India Company sent 800 colonists to Louisiana, including Le Page Du Pratz, who documented local tribes. Near Mobile, he encountered the Chatots and Thomez, both small tribes embracing Catholicism. The Tensas, a branch of the Natchez, maintained a temple fire, reflecting their similar customs. The Natchez, known for their despotism and elaborate rituals, suffered significant decline after conflicts with the French. By 1733, their population diminished further as they sought refuge among other tribes after violent confrontations.

Mobile Indians

The Mobile Indians, possibly derived from the Choctaw word for paddle, were historically located near the confluence of the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers. Known for their chief Tuscaloosa, they fiercely opposed Spanish invaders in 1540, suffering significant casualties. Their population was once substantial, estimated at 6,000 to 7,000. However, by the 18th century, their numbers dwindled, possibly merging with the Choctaw Nation. The tribe’s historical significance stems from their resistance to colonization, giving their name to the city of Mobile in Alabama.

Mobile Tribe

The Mobile Indians, a Muskhogean tribe, are believed to have originated near Choctaw Bluff in Alabama, where they fiercely resisted DeSoto in 1540. By 1700, they had relocated to Mobile Bay, seeking French protection around 1708. Despite their friendly relations with the French and eventual Christianization, the tribe’s prominence diminished over time. By 1741, they numbered 350 families, and records of their existence faded after 1761. They primarily relied on agriculture and contributed to a trade language used across many tribes.

Mobile Tribe and Tohome Tribe

The first European interactions with the Mobile Bay tribes likely occurred in 1519 with the Spaniards led by Pinedo, who encountered friendly natives while exploring the region. The Mobile tribe, identified later during De Soto’s expedition, engaged in significant conflicts, notably with De Soto in 1540, causing considerable loss on both sides. By the early 18th century, the Mobile and Tohome tribes were distinct yet closely linked, with both tribes noted for their agricultural practices along the Mobile River and their complex intertribal relations as documented by early French explorers.

Condition of the Alabama Indians in 1890

As of June 1, 1890, the total Indian population in Alabama numbered 1,148, including 384 reservation Indians and 759 self-supporting, taxed individuals. The latter, primarily descendants of various tribes, lived similarly to their non-Indian neighbors. The reservation group, consisting of Geronimos band of Apaches, showed significant improvement in living conditions and adopted a civilized lifestyle, with children attending school in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. They engaged in gardening, crafts, and other work, demonstrating intelligence and industriousness in their community.