Poarch Creek Indian Reservation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Poarch Creek Indian Reservation
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Location of the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation
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| Tribe | Poarch Band of Creek Indians |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.93 km2 (0.36 sq mi) |
| Website | Poarch Band of Creek Indians |
The Poarch Creek Indian Reservation is a special place in Alabama. It is the home of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. This is the only Native American tribe in Alabama that the United States government officially recognizes.
The reservation is about eight miles (13 km) northwest of Atmore. In 2006, about 1,000 of the tribe's 2,340 members lived on or near this 230-acre (0.93 km2) land. The Poarch Band also owns other lands in Alabama and Florida.
A Look Back: History of the Poarch Creek Indians
Even though many Creek Indians were forced to leave Georgia and Alabama in 1836, some Creeks stayed in the Tensaw River area of Alabama. They kept their community strong around the small town of Poarch. By 1908, they even had their own separate schools.
The United States government held land at Poarch in trust for the Indians until 1924. In the 1940s, the community started to organize and work together for their rights. From 1950 to 1970, a tribal leader named Calvin McGhee led a big effort. He worked to get the government to recognize the Creek land claims in the southeastern states. The Poarch Band raised money for their efforts, often through an annual Thanksgiving Day Pow Wow.
Life on the Reservation Today
The Poarch Creek Indian Reservation officially became a federal reservation in 1984. It is governed by a nine-member tribal council. This council helps provide important services like police, fire, and social support for the community.
Since 1990, the tribal government has owned a "bingo hall." They also own some small factories, a restaurant, and a motel. These businesses help support the tribe and its members.
