Between a Nation and a Country: the Creek Nation, the United States, and the Life of James Moore

Abstract

This thesis examines the life of James Moore, an Indian countryman who lived nearly fifty years in the Creek Nation. A study of Moore’s life offers insight into the massive changes that the Creek Nation endured in the first three decades of the nineteenth century during the pre-removal era. Moore participated in the Creek War of 1813-1814 and experienced the challenges of living in the Creek Nation after the creation of the state of Alabama. During Creek removal to Indian Territory Moore’s family was divided with some members remaining in Alabama, while others sought land in the west, and still other members removed to the Creek Nation in Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. His family's experience illustrates the difficulties faced by Creek families during this period.