Creeks and Seminoles: The Destruction and Regeneration of the Muscogulge People

by J. Leitch Wright Jr.

During Andrew Jackson's time the Creeks and Seminoles (Muscogulges) were the largest group of Indians living on the frontier. In Georgia, Alabama, and Florida they manifested a geographical and cultural, but not a political, cohesiveness. Ethnically and linguistically, they were highly diverse. This book is the first to locate them firmly in their full historical context.

Genres: Native Americans, History, Native American, American History

383 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wright presents a classical study of the Muscogles and Muscogee nations (Seminoles and Creeks) in the era of colonization through removal. These tribes (which subdivide beyond the Indian names above) were primary located in the southeast mostly in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Wright does an excellent job of looking at the complex factors that transformed these societies. From race relations with African slaves and whites to diplomacy between the empires, Wright looks at the evolution of these two groups. Ethnically and culturally the tribes differed greatly and although Europeans categorized them as Creeks and Seminoles. While more research has been done in recent years this is a great place to start with in order to gain an understanding of how these tribes interact. It is easy to read and thorough in its coverage of events and capturing the tribes culture and heritage.

[Marilyn Sue Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the writing was very confusing, and the editing was poor. The conclusion is that use of trade goods, debt, manipulation, and military excursions forced most of the indigenous tribespeople out of Florida, mostly to Oklahoma or Texas. The relentless greed for land required removal, even at the cost of life, destruction of families, and exile. The peculiar obsession with race ordering split up families who had intermarried across ethnic and racial lines. The Black Muscogulges and other black people were in constant danger of being kidnapped and sold as slaves, or moved around like pawns in a chess game, being valuable as commodities but not regarded as having human souls.

[Tree Rings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep it as one of many bibles on the people and their country -- absolutely recommended reading.