Creeks and Cherokees Native Americans had hunted in Georgia’s forests and fished its streams and rivers for ten thousand years. The fifty-five years from 1783 to 1838 were one of the darkest periods in the history of these Native Americans. During this period, they were forced out of their traditional lands and moved to unknown territories.

Creeks & Cherokees Name and describe the GA regions in which the Creeks lived. Name and describe the GA regions in which the Cherokees lived.

The Creeks - Background Most populous tribe in GA Held largest amount of land Considered a confederation of several SE tribes Became important trading partner (deer) to early colonists Intermarried with whites Opposed slavery DEFINE CONFEDERATION!

The Creeks - Background During Revolution, chose to side with English, causing antagonistic relationship with Georgians early Deer trade slows (WHY?), Americans push gov’t for Indian removal Define Antagonist!

The Creeks Cede Land EAST of the Oconee River DEFINE CEDE: TREATY OF NEW YORK in 1790 by Chief Alexander McGillivray Creeks forced to CEDE all land east of the Oconee River to the United States. This begins the long and sad removal of the Creeks from Georgia and much of the south. What land distribution method was used for the land ceded in the TREATY OF NEW YORK?

1813 - Creek Civil War Breaks Out!! THE RED STICK (Creek) WAR Red Sticks: Creeks that wanted to rise up against encroaching whites White Sticks: Creeks that did not wish to fight whites (sided with whites) BATTLE OF HORSESHOE BEND: Future President Andrew Jackson leads American army that puts down the Creeks

ALL CREEK LAND CEDED in SHADY DEAL! (1825) TREATY OF INDIAN SPRINGS Creek Chief William McIntosh (________ stick) cedes remainder of Georgia Creek lands after taking bribe. McIntosh is later kidnapped and killed for his misdeeds by the Creeks. But the damage is done!

William McIntosh was of mixed heritage. Looking at the picture and knowing what you know of the early south Georgia population, what ancestry do you think William McIntosh has?

The Cherokees - Background Lived in the mtns of GA long before Spanish exploration Cherokee traded exclusively with English This loyalty created conflict between Creeks and Cherokees (and Americans) New Echota – Cherokee national capital

The Cherokees - Background 1776 - Fought on side of British during Revolution, causing hostility with new United States Cherokees believe best hope for keeping land is to transform their society to resemble the United States

The Cherokees Assimilate 1805 - Allowed U.S. to build FEDERAL ROAD through Indian land 1820s - Developed FIRST Native American written language (Sequoyah), written constitution, and newspaper (Cherokee Phoenix) Adopted agricultural system that included slaves

The Cherokees & The Gold Rush 1828 – Gold Rush in Dahlonega – push for removal even greater

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 President Andrew Jackson promises land to the Natives west of the Mississippi River (OK). Federal government will pay the cost of relocation and allow autonomy on Indian territory. Some leave willingly, others would stay and fight (John Ridge)…for now.

Worcester vs. Georgia: Cherokees Win! 1832 – Supreme Court Judge John Marshall ruled in favor of the Cherokees Protected land, stating Cherokee was independent nation Executive branch – President Andrew Jackson would not enforce

Cherokees Lose! 1835 – TREATY OF NEW ECHOTA: small group of Cherokees sign w/out permission of Cherokee gov’t President Andrew Jackson accepts it 1838 – TRAIL OF TEARS to Oklahoma BEGINS (John Ridge)

TRAIL OF TEARS http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/the-trail-of-tears-and-jacksons-indian-removal-act-of-1830.html#lesson