Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Encyclopedia
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe of Native Americans residing in the southern part of the state of Alabama
. Historically speaking the Muskogean language, they were formerly known as the Creek Nation East of the Mississippi
. They are located mostly in Escambia County
. They operate three gaming casino
s and a hotel.
of 1813–1814. Many Creeks remained in Alabama despite the Indian Removal Act
of 1830.
They have lived in Alabama as a distinct community for the last two centuries. The Poarch Band represents only some of the descendants of those who were not removed.
Over the decades, many Indians intermarried with African-American or European-American neighbors, and some descendants assimilated into those social and cultural groups.
; 1900 U.S. Census of Escambia County, Alabama; 1900 U.S. Special Indian Census of Monroe County, Alabama
. Besides being of Muscogee Creek heritage, they must have a minimum blood quantum of 1/4 American Indian blood and not be enrolled in any other tribe to enroll in the tribe.
is located in south Alabama near the city of Atmore, Alabama
. Their current tribal chairman is Buford L. Rolin The tribe owns Poarch Creek Indian Gaming, which operates three casinos: Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Atmore
, Creek Casino Wetumpka (formerly Riverside Entertainment Center) in Wetumpka
, and Creek Casino Montgomery (formerly Tallapoosa Entertainment Center) in Montgomery
.
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. Historically speaking the Muskogean language, they were formerly known as the Creek Nation East of the Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
. They are located mostly in Escambia County
Escambia County, Alabama
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*62.1% White*31.9% Black*4.4% Native American*0.2% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*1.5% Two or more races*1.9% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
. They operate three gaming casino
Casino
In modern English, a casino is a facility which houses and accommodates certain types of gambling activities. Casinos are most commonly built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships or other tourist attractions...
s and a hotel.
History
The Poarch Band descends from Muscogee Creek Indians who sided with the United States in the Creek WarCreek War
The Creek War , also known as the Red Stick War and the Creek Civil War, began as a civil war within the Creek nation...
of 1813–1814. Many Creeks remained in Alabama despite the Indian Removal Act
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830.The Removal Act was strongly supported in the South, where states were eager to gain access to lands inhabited by the Five Civilized Tribes. In particular, Georgia, the largest state at that time, was involved in...
of 1830.
They have lived in Alabama as a distinct community for the last two centuries. The Poarch Band represents only some of the descendants of those who were not removed.
Over the decades, many Indians intermarried with African-American or European-American neighbors, and some descendants assimilated into those social and cultural groups.
Tribal membership requirements
To be eligible to enroll in the tribe, people must be descended from the American Indians listed on the either of three roles: 1870 U.S. Census of Escambia County, AlabamaEscambia County, Alabama
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*62.1% White*31.9% Black*4.4% Native American*0.2% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*1.5% Two or more races*1.9% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
; 1900 U.S. Census of Escambia County, Alabama; 1900 U.S. Special Indian Census of Monroe County, Alabama
Monroe County, Alabama
Monroe County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of James Monroe, fifth President of the United States. As of 2010, the population was 23,068. Its county seat is Monroeville. It is a dry county, in which the sale of alcoholic beverages is restricted or...
. Besides being of Muscogee Creek heritage, they must have a minimum blood quantum of 1/4 American Indian blood and not be enrolled in any other tribe to enroll in the tribe.
Current status
The Poarch Creek Indian ReservationPoarch Creek Indian Reservation
The Poarch Creek Indian Reservation is a Creek Indian reservation in the state of Alabama. It is the home of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the only federally recognized Indian tribe in the state....
is located in south Alabama near the city of Atmore, Alabama
Atmore, Alabama
Atmore is a city in Escambia County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 7,676. According to the 2005 U.S. Census estimates, the city had a population of 7,530. The city was named for Mr. C.P. Atmore....
. Their current tribal chairman is Buford L. Rolin The tribe owns Poarch Creek Indian Gaming, which operates three casinos: Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Atmore
Atmore, Alabama
Atmore is a city in Escambia County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 7,676. According to the 2005 U.S. Census estimates, the city had a population of 7,530. The city was named for Mr. C.P. Atmore....
, Creek Casino Wetumpka (formerly Riverside Entertainment Center) in Wetumpka
Wetumpka, Alabama
Wetumpka is a city in Elmore County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 5,726.The city is the county seat of Elmore County, one of the fastest growing counties in the state....
, and Creek Casino Montgomery (formerly Tallapoosa Entertainment Center) in Montgomery
Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery is the capital of the U.S. state of Alabama, and is the county seat of Montgomery County. It is located on the Alabama River southeast of the center of the state, in the Gulf Coastal Plain. As of the 2010 census, Montgomery had a population of 205,764 making it the second-largest city...
.