Selocta Chinnabby facts for kids
Selocta Chinnabby (also known as Shelocta or Chinnabee) was an important leader of the Muskogee Creek people. He lived from about 1765 until October 15, 1834, or February 10, 1835. Selocta was from what is now Talladega County, Alabama. He became friends with Andrew Jackson and fought alongside him. They fought against a group called the Red Sticks during the Creek War. This war was part of the larger War of 1812.
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Selocta's Family History
Selocta Chinnabby was likely born around 1765. His birthplace was near a place called Choccolocco Creek. Some people believe his father was Moss Micco Chinnabby, a chief from the Natchez tribe. His mother was a Creek woman. Other stories say his father was Nicholas Chinnery, a trader.
After a conflict called the Natchez revolt, some Natchez people moved. They settled in an old village near the Coosa River in central Alabama. This new home was known as Natchez Town. Selocta's father may have traveled to New York City in 1790. He went there to sign an important agreement called the Treaty of New York. Selocta also had a brother named Salarta Fixico.
Selocta's Adult Life and Battles
During the Creek War, Selocta Chinnabby chose to support the United States. He fought against the Red Sticks, who were another group of Creek warriors. In 1813, a strong fort was built near Selocta's village. It was called Fort Chinnabee and was located near Choccolocco Creek.
Selocta fought in many important battles. These included the Battle of Talladega, the Battles of Emuckfaw and Enotachopo Creek, and the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Before the Battle of Talladega, a famous story is told about Selocta. He reportedly escaped from Fort Leslie by covering himself in the skin of a wild hog. He then warned Andrew Jackson at Fort Strother that Fort Leslie was under attack.
Before the Battle of Emuckfaw Creek, Selocta led warriors who were allied with the United States. They attacked a village of the Hillabee people. Sadly, Selocta's brother was killed during this attack.
Selocta was also present when the Treaty of Fort Jackson was signed. He wanted the Creek people to give up land along the Alabama River. In return, he hoped they could keep their land west of the Coosa River. However, Andrew Jackson did not agree with this plan. He thought it would allow Great Britain to help Native Americans who were still fighting the United States.
Selocta also fought alongside Andrew Jackson in the First Seminole War. Later, in 1826, Selocta signed another important agreement. This was the Treaty of Washington. Other leaders like Opothleyahola and Menawa also signed it. After signing, President John Quincy Adams gave Selocta a special silver medal.
Selocta's Death and Burial
One old story says Selocta was killed after a horse race. Other reports say he was traveling to Mardisville on October 15, 1834. He was going to buy supplies before he died. His death has also been recorded as February 10, 1835.
Selocta was buried near the community of Munford. He was buried with the silver medal he received from the President. After his death, his cabin was burned down. You can find Selocta's grave marker at 33°29′11″N 85°57′43″W / 33.48639°N 85.96194°W.
Selocta's Legacy
Selocta Chinnabby is remembered in several ways today.
- The community of Chinnabee in Talladega County is named after him.
- The Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area is also named for Selocta. This area is inside the Talladega National Forest.
- The recreation area includes the Chinnabee Silent Trail. This trail was built by a Boy Scout troop. The troop was from the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind.
