The Muskogee creek tribe of Henry county boasts a rich heritage rooted in the civilizations of the Mississippian Period (800-1500). As descendants of these people, they developed intricate societies characterized by advanced agriculture, and sometimes complex social structures However, their world was forever changed with the arrival of European settlers in the 15th century.
The arrival of European colonization caused a profound change for the Creek tribes, as they grappled with the trespassing of settlers on their land. This period marked a pivotal section in Creek history, as many tribes navigated a tumultuous landscape of negotiations, conflicts, and forced displacements.
One such chapter unfolded in Henry County, where the relentless advance of settlers led to the gradual removal of Creek territories. The fertile lands that had long sustained Creek communities became coveted prizes for new settlers, setting the stage for a collision of cultures and interests.
The Greenwood Industrial Park, situated off Hwy 155, sits as a site of one of Henry County’s early Native American settlements. Through archaeological surveys conducted in 1990, the warehouse site landscape revealed a plethora of archaeological sites spanning periods, from the prehistoric era to the antebellum period. These sites serve as silent reminders to the enduring presence of Native American civilizations in Henry County, offering glimpses into their lifeways, traditions, and interactions with the changing world around them. All that remains are there pottery as well as some remains that are forever protected by an environmental easement.
In excavating these sites, archaeologists unearthed artifacts and remnants that shed light on the details of Creek life, from ceremonial practices to daily routines.
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