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Native American Tribes: The History and Culture of the Creek
*Includes pictures of important people and places.
*Explains the origins, history, religion, and social structure of the Creek.
*Includes a Bibliography for further reading.
“The Muscogee was once a mighty people. The Georgians trembled at your war-whoop, and the maidens of my tribe, on the distant lakes, sung the prowess of your warriors and sighed for their embraces. Now your very blood is white; your tomahawks have no edge; your bows and arrows were buried with your fathers. Oh! Muscogees, brethren of my mother, brush from your eyelids the sleep of slavery; once more strike for vengeance; once more for your country.” – Tecumseh, 1811
From the “Trail of Tears” to Wounded Knee and Little Bighorn, the narrative of American history is incomplete without the inclusion of the Native Americans that lived on the continent before European settlers arrived in the 16th and 17th centuries. Since the first contact between natives and settlers, tribes like the Sioux, Cherokee, and Navajo have both fascinated and perplexed outsiders with their history, language, and culture. In Charles River Editors’ Native American Tribes series, readers can get caught up to speed on the history and culture of North America’s most famous native tribes in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known.
Though they are not as well known as tribes like the Sioux or Cherokee, the Creek are one of the oldest and most important Native American tribes in North America. With roots that tie them to the Ancient Moundbuilders, the Creek were one of the most established groups in the Southeastern United States, and came to be known as one of the Five Civilized Tribes. It’s also believed that the Creek were the first natives encountered by Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto’s historic expedition in the mid-16th century. The Creek became known as one of the Five Civilized Tribes for quickly assimilating aspects of European culture, but in response to early European contact, the Muscogee established one of the strongest confederacies in the region. Despite becoming a dominant regional force, however, infighting brought about civil war in the early 19th century, and they were quickly wrapped up in the War of 1812 as well. By the end of that fighting, the Creek were compelled to cede millions of acres of land to the expanding United States, ushering in a new era that found the Creek occupying only a small strip of Alabama by the 1830s.
Native American The History and Culture of the Creek comprehensively covers the culture and history of the famous group, profiling their origins, their history, and their lasting legacy. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about the Creek like you never have before, in no time at all.
*Explains the origins, history, religion, and social structure of the Creek.
*Includes a Bibliography for further reading.
“The Muscogee was once a mighty people. The Georgians trembled at your war-whoop, and the maidens of my tribe, on the distant lakes, sung the prowess of your warriors and sighed for their embraces. Now your very blood is white; your tomahawks have no edge; your bows and arrows were buried with your fathers. Oh! Muscogees, brethren of my mother, brush from your eyelids the sleep of slavery; once more strike for vengeance; once more for your country.” – Tecumseh, 1811
From the “Trail of Tears” to Wounded Knee and Little Bighorn, the narrative of American history is incomplete without the inclusion of the Native Americans that lived on the continent before European settlers arrived in the 16th and 17th centuries. Since the first contact between natives and settlers, tribes like the Sioux, Cherokee, and Navajo have both fascinated and perplexed outsiders with their history, language, and culture. In Charles River Editors’ Native American Tribes series, readers can get caught up to speed on the history and culture of North America’s most famous native tribes in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known.
Though they are not as well known as tribes like the Sioux or Cherokee, the Creek are one of the oldest and most important Native American tribes in North America. With roots that tie them to the Ancient Moundbuilders, the Creek were one of the most established groups in the Southeastern United States, and came to be known as one of the Five Civilized Tribes. It’s also believed that the Creek were the first natives encountered by Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto’s historic expedition in the mid-16th century. The Creek became known as one of the Five Civilized Tribes for quickly assimilating aspects of European culture, but in response to early European contact, the Muscogee established one of the strongest confederacies in the region. Despite becoming a dominant regional force, however, infighting brought about civil war in the early 19th century, and they were quickly wrapped up in the War of 1812 as well. By the end of that fighting, the Creek were compelled to cede millions of acres of land to the expanding United States, ushering in a new era that found the Creek occupying only a small strip of Alabama by the 1830s.
Native American The History and Culture of the Creek comprehensively covers the culture and history of the famous group, profiling their origins, their history, and their lasting legacy. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about the Creek like you never have before, in no time at all.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
42 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2013
33 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 30, 2014
Against all odds and a government that historically treated them as an in convenience in the way of manifest destiny the Creek have survived with their cultural ways much in tact. This was a brief read into the history of the people known as the Creek.
May 27, 2021
Although not as well known as the Sioux or Cheyenne Indians, the Creek are a race that is tied to the Ancient Moundbuilders. Modern anthropologists believe the Creek descended from the 'Mississippian Culture.' This designation is not clearly defined but is signified by their highly distinctive sacred artifacts. The Creek had a triad of religious cults based on warfare, fertility, and ancestor worship. Each Mississippian cult was separate and distinct. The photos of the mounds added much to my understanding of the text.
To protect themselves and their culture, the Muskogee formed a Confederacy; they resembled Greek city-states. The 'red towns' took care of war matters; the 'white towns' were responsible for peaceful matters. The Muscogee/Creek are not Seminole but some of the Seminole Nation are Creek. The Creek people were matrilineal, meaning each person belonged to the clan of their mother. It was the mother's brother who functioned as the prime teacher of her children. In marriage, the man moved into his wife's mother's household but his prime allegiance remained with his birth mother.
They were one of the most established groups of the Southeastern US and were one of the 5 Civilized Tribes. They were called this because of the rapidity with which they adapted European customs. The Creek culture was dominated by agriculture while hunting for game.
It is believed that it was the Creeks that Spaniard Hernando de Soto met on his first exploratory trip in the mid-1600s. The Creek/Muscogee were involved in serious in-fighting and civil war (in the 1800s). Tecumseh, the Shawnee chief, tried to organize the leaders of the Five Civilized Tribes for violent resistance to the whites but was unsuccessful. Later, they were involved in the War of 1812. By its end, the Creek were forced to cede millions of acres to the US government.
This is another story of the depressing removal of a once-proud people. It seems that because the Creek negotiated instead of fighting (in the beginning), they got almost nothing for being 'good Indians.' In spite of the assurances that the Creek are making a comeback, it is depressing reading to see how shabbily they were treated.
To protect themselves and their culture, the Muskogee formed a Confederacy; they resembled Greek city-states. The 'red towns' took care of war matters; the 'white towns' were responsible for peaceful matters. The Muscogee/Creek are not Seminole but some of the Seminole Nation are Creek. The Creek people were matrilineal, meaning each person belonged to the clan of their mother. It was the mother's brother who functioned as the prime teacher of her children. In marriage, the man moved into his wife's mother's household but his prime allegiance remained with his birth mother.
They were one of the most established groups of the Southeastern US and were one of the 5 Civilized Tribes. They were called this because of the rapidity with which they adapted European customs. The Creek culture was dominated by agriculture while hunting for game.
It is believed that it was the Creeks that Spaniard Hernando de Soto met on his first exploratory trip in the mid-1600s. The Creek/Muscogee were involved in serious in-fighting and civil war (in the 1800s). Tecumseh, the Shawnee chief, tried to organize the leaders of the Five Civilized Tribes for violent resistance to the whites but was unsuccessful. Later, they were involved in the War of 1812. By its end, the Creek were forced to cede millions of acres to the US government.
This is another story of the depressing removal of a once-proud people. It seems that because the Creek negotiated instead of fighting (in the beginning), they got almost nothing for being 'good Indians.' In spite of the assurances that the Creek are making a comeback, it is depressing reading to see how shabbily they were treated.
November 29, 2022
The Creek Indians were one of the oldest and largest of tribes in the country. While this is just an introduction, it will help those unfamiliar that tribes have their own cultures. Their dress, housing, language, and customs differ from tribes on the Plains and many other areas. I’m proud to say there was a nice bit on the Poarch Creek Indians who have grown their business globally, boosted the local economy, and have once again embraced the culture, history, Muskogee language, and family.
August 12, 2023
A concise, erudite but accessible overview of the history of the Creek people from the earliest records to the present day. This is a very short book at little over forty pages but it still provides an effective summary of the relevant history and culture.
This is a very useful series and should provide a good starting point for anyone seeking to learn more about a particular indigenous group.
This is a very useful series and should provide a good starting point for anyone seeking to learn more about a particular indigenous group.
January 14, 2026
A really good short introduction into the world of Muscogee Creek nation, giving a good short history lesson on big events impactful to the creek culture.
February 1, 2014
Really enjoyed the discussion about religion after the forced move off of tribal lands. Very good.
Crossposted at Booklikes.
Crossposted at Booklikes.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews