1. 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.

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

3. 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!

4. 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!

5. 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?

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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?

9. 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

10. The Cherokees - Background
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

11. The Cherokees Assimilate
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

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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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)

16. TRAIL OF TEARS