Creeks Free Essays

The History of the Creeks is like a road. Sometimes it is smooth and straight. Other times it might get a little bumpy. We will write a custom essay sample on Creeks or any similar topic only for you Order Now Then you’ll make a turn and all the road consists of is dirt and rocks. On their removal journey the Creeks suffered from treaties which hoaxed them out of land, Whites, disease and land hostilities. The Creeks made long expeditions to the West. These are only few of the many hardships they faced. In 1770, James Adair a teacher who handled Creeks for 30 years characterized them as â€Å"The most powerful Indian nation known to the English.† Before the Creeks’ removal, they got cheated out of land multiple times. They also lost some from treaties that were made. For example William McIntosh signed the Treaty of Indian Springs on February 12, 1825, which gave away all the land in Georgia. William was the chief at the time and he made a law that stated if anyone gave up Creek land without the councils permission then they will receive the death penalty. William did not receive the council’s approval. He was executed. One Hundred Creek warriors set fire to his house. When he walked out the front door he was shot. Many Whites caused problems when it came to Indian lands. Creeks started stealing crops and cattle from White plantations. As retaliation from their barbarous treatment the Creeks committed crimes such as murder. Some Creeks created bonds with Whites through trade. Some traders even stayed with the Creeks in their settlements. Most of the Creeks had been forcefully or voluntarily removed by 1836. Before the Creeks removal the united states made promises to help fund their journey and send supplies. Parties traveled by keelboats or on land through heavy rainfall. The parties that traveled by land made slow progress. Parties consisted of Creeks, slaves, and Whites married to Creeks. Many lost their belongings during the trip due to heavy rainfall. Wagons carrying supplies were not able to get across inflated rivers. In September 1829 when travelers had just arrived in what is now present day Oklahoma a cholera epidemic struck. Some people packed up what they had and headed back to Alabama since disease was so impetuous. Congested keelboats cause a lot of different health issues. Unclean drinking water combined with dietary changes left the Creeks defenseless against illnesses. The Creeks discovered that the United States held empty promises. They did not get the tools or farming implements need to build housing. Weapons were not supplied in time so hunters had to refresh their memory on how to use a bow and arrow. Annuity payments were usually made in supplies rather than cash. The supplies that they received were either useless or got â€Å"lost† along the way. They were also offered protection once they got to their new territory but found none. At night their settlements were assaulted by Western Indians. By the 1850’s the Creeks had somewhat maintained a stable living condition. Opothle Yahola a chief who remained loyal to the Creeks for years wanted to have a written constitution. In 1859 one was established. After the Civil War one that was based off the United States constitution was written. The Muscogulges, more commonly known as Creeks faced many hardships on their â€Å"Trail of Tears†. Every hardship was an experience which they learned from. They created close bonds. Found revenge and trusted people they shouldn’t have. How to cite Creeks, Papers