Muskogee Topics – Access Genealogy

The Natural Environment of Ocmulgee Bottoms

Beginning in the late 1500s and continuing through the late 1600s, European maps showed a large lake in central Georgia that received both the Ocmulgee and Oconee River. Its outlet was the Altamaha River, which the French called the May River. The memoirs of the commander of Fort Caroline, René de Laudonnière, wrote in his memoir that several expeditions which he dispatched in a northwestward direction from the fort, encountered a large shallow lake at the headwaters of the May. These expeditions continued northward across the lake in their canoes and then traveled up the Oconee River to the Kingdom of Apalache and then the Appalachian Mountains. No mention is made of the Ocmulgee River by Laudonnière, but it also appeared on later maps of the region, flowing into Lake Tama. Apparently someone, either French or Spanish did canoe northwestward across the shallow lake and travel up the Ocmulgee.

Mayhew, Brainard, Elliot, and Monroe Missions

From 1822 until their forcible removal, the North American Indians saw a rise in schools and religious practices, despite being unjustly labeled as infidels and savages. Missionaries, upon their arrival, found the Native peoples to possess moral integrity, respect for property, and a sincere belief in a Supreme Being. They discovered a society rich in virtues, countering misconceptions of savagery. However, the intrusion of white settlers led to the tragic displacement of these tribes from their ancestral lands, marking a devastating shift in their existence.

The Natchez

On February 11, 1700, explorers led by De Iberville reached Natchez, welcomed by a chief and his warriors. The Natchez were known for their sacred practices, including a temple that housed a perpetual fire and involved ritual sacrifices in times of crisis. Their society was structured around the Great Sun, a pivotal figure in their worship and governance. As they traversed the Mississippi, explorers documented their customs, including festivals aligned with lunar cycles and the poignant traditions of life and death, marking the Natchez as a significant nation in early American history.

Important Men of the Choctaw Indians

The Choctaw Nation has produced numerous significant figures throughout its history, notably Tush-ka Lu-sa, who valiantly defended his people against Spanish forces. While early documentation is scarce, many leaders have emerged from the 18th century onward, whose contributions to their community deserve recognition. This account aims to honor both the living and deceased Choctaw and Chickasaw men, emphasizing their dedication to improving their people’s welfare and the importance of preserving their legacies as examples for future generations.

Memoirs of the Durant and Crowder Families

The Durant family, led by Louis Durant, arrived in the Choctaw Nation around 1770 alongside the LeFlore brothers. Louis married a Choctaw woman, and they had five children, including sons who fought in the Creek War of 1812. Margaret, one of Louis’s daughters, married Eli Crowder, known as Muscokubi for his battlefield prowess. Crowder lived to 102 and had multiple wives and children. Notably, his son Louis became a respected interpreter in the Choctaw Nation, illustrating the family’s prominence and contributions within their community.

Views on the Choctaw and Fables – North American Indians

In 1723, the Choctaw territories spanned from the Mississippi River to the Black Warrior and included over sixty towns, with an estimated twenty-five thousand warriors. Their fables, known as Shukha Anump, reflect moral lessons, akin to Aesop’s. One fable recounts a turkey and a terrapin, illustrating that arrogance can lead to downfall, as the underestimated terrapin outsmarts the turkey. The author emphasizes that the ancient Indians valued traits like truth, honor, and hospitality, suggesting their readiness for civilization and Christianity, despite skepticism from others.

Memoirs of John Pitchlynn

Peter Perkins Pitchlynn was the Choctaw Principal Chief from 1864-1866

John Pitchlynn was a notable figure in the Choctaw Nation, recognized as a benefactor who integrated into their society by marrying a Choctaw woman and serving as an interpreter for the U.S. government. He gained the respect of both the Choctaws and missionaries through his moral conduct. His son, Peter P. Pitchlynn, became a prominent leader and advocate for education and peace among tribes, notably facilitating a treaty with the Osages. Known for his integrity and leadership, Peter’s legacy reflects the potential for collaborative progress within Native communities.

Choctaw Doctors & Diseases

In ancient Choctaw society, children received livestock at birth, providing a foundation of wealth as they grew. Choctaw doctors utilized natural remedies for various ailments, though they struggled with diseases introduced by Europeans. Their skills in treating wounds and understanding plant medicines were notable, yet they faced challenges with unfamiliar illnesses like smallpox. Beliefs in the spiritual realm and the Medicine Man’s power also influenced their healing practices, reflecting their deep cultural understanding of health and illness despite limitations in medical knowledge.

Mound Builders

The post discusses the connection between ancient mounds in North America and the indigenous tribes, refuting the notion that these structures were built by a distinct race known as the Mound Builders. Evidence presented includes similarities in skull structure among various tribes and the fortified nature of their towns. Early European explorers observed these communities engaged in agriculture and crafting, challenging the idea of indigenous nomadism. The author argues that the mounds are the work of Native Americans, the true ancestors of today’s tribes, and emphasizes the importance of understanding their legacy.

Choctaw Culture

Choctaw Village near the Chefuncte, The women appear to be making dye to color the strips of cane beside them, by François Bernard, 1869

The Choctaw people historically relied on unwritten customs for governance, engaging in barter without contracts or money, resulting in a society free of lawyers and prisons. Their beliefs emphasized respect for the dead and a connection to nature. Despite a lack of written language, they conveyed knowledge through symbols and oral traditions. The Choctaws demonstrated remarkable advancements in agriculture and intellectual capacity, sustaining social equality without established hierarchies. Their governance reflected communal interests, prioritizing the well-being of their tribe above individual gain.

Chickasaw Religion

The Chickasaws, unlike the Choctaws, approached natural phenomena like eclipses rationally, viewing them as “sun hidden” rather than omens. Their history includes the notable town of Pakitakohlih, where De Soto’s army wintered in 1540. The Chickasaws fiercely defended their land against French incursions but eventually faced forced removal, leaving behind cherished memories of their homeland. Despite hardships, they maintained their spiritual beliefs and rebuilt their society, demonstrating resilience and determination. Nevertheless, their struggles intensified with further encroachments on their territory and autonomy.

Mission’s Among the Southern Indians

In 1819, the Synod of South Carolina initiated a mission among Southern Indians, focusing on the Chickasaws. Rev. David Humphries and Rev. T. C. Stewart initially sought permission to establish a mission, which was granted by the Chickasaw king in 1820. Stewart, the sole missionary, founded Monroe Station in 1821, accompanied by two families. This mission became a pivotal center for education and Christianity, significantly influencing the Chickasaw community, fostering future leaders and laying the groundwork for their ongoing civilization.

Early Exploration and Native Americans

Ferdinand de Soto’s interactions with Native American tribes, specifically the Choctaws and Chickasaws, exemplify early European attempts to impose their ideologies of civilization and Christianity upon Indigenous populations. This approach set a precedent for further exploitation and oppression of Native Americans, as European settlers sought to acquire land and resources. Throughout history, tribes like the Chickasaws, known for their valor, remained steadfast allies rather than adversaries. This enduring alliance contrasts sharply with the overarching narrative of dispossession and extermination faced by Indigenous nations in North America.

The Meeting in 1811 of Tecumseh and Apushamatahah

In 1811, Tecumseh, the Shawnee leader, met with Apushamatahah, a prominent Choctaw chief, to rally southern tribes against American encroachment amidst looming war between the U.S. and England. Tecumseh passionately urged unity against their common foe, warning of the dire consequences of inaction. Apushamatahah countered with a call for prudence, advocating for peaceful measures. Ultimately, the council resulted in favoring American alliance, thwarting Tecumseh’s ambitions. This pivotal meeting highlighted the contrasting strategies of the two influential leaders, shaping tribal responses during a critical historical period.