The Tohome Tribe, part of the southern Muskhogean linguistic group, is situated near MacIntosh Bluff along the Tombigbee River. Historically divided into two branches—Big Tohome and Little Tohome (or Naniaba)—they were initially encountered by Europeans in the early 1700s. Their population was estimated at 300 warriors in 1700, but fluctuated over the years due to conflicts and alliances, particularly with the Mobile. By the 18th century, they eventually merged with the Choctaw.
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.