The Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek (Muscogee), and Seminole Nations were powerful Indigenous nations of the Southeast. Long before the U.S. was founded, these nations created advanced and successful societies. Each had its own government, economy, culture, and traditions. These factors shaped life for thousands of people.
The Cherokee lived in the Appalachian Mountains. Today, this area includes Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. They grew crops such as corn, beans, and squash, and also hunted deer and other animals for food. Families often lived in towns with log or bark-covered houses. Ceremonies and seasonal festivals helped bring communities together.
The Chickasaw lived to the west, in what is now Mississippi and Alabama. They farmed and hunted, relying on the rivers and forests for food. They built their homes by the waterways. Their festivals celebrated harvests and renewal.
The Choctaw lived in towns across Mississippi and western Alabama. They were skilled farmers who grew corn, beans, and pumpkins. They also hunted and brought meat to their community. Their homes often had thatched roofs. The Green Corn Festival was their biggest celebration. It marked the new harvest.
The Creek, or Muscogee, lived across Georgia and Alabama. They farmed, hunted, and fished. They used the rivers that flowed through their lands. Their houses were made of wood and mud with thatched roofs. Creek towns gathered for events like the Green Corn Festival. The festival celebrated the harvest of new crops and brought everyone together.
The Seminole emerged later as Creek groups moved into Florida. There, they built new towns in the flatlands and swamps. They grew corn and other crops, fished, and hunted. Seminole houses were usually open-sided. They had thatched roofs, perfect for the warm climate.
These nations had many shared traditions. They included farming, hunting, and seasonal celebrations. Most spoke related languages from the larger Muscogee family.
