George Colbert stands as a pivotal figure in the annals of Native American history, a Chickasaw chief and leader whose influence resonated deeply throughout the 19th century. During a period marked by immense challenges and uncertainties for his people, Chief Colbert played an indispensable role in safeguarding the Chickasaw Nation. This article aims to explore the multifaceted life and enduring legacy of George Colbert, shedding light on his profound impact on the Chickasaw people and the broader Native American community. Furthermore, it will examine how his contributions continue to be honored and celebrated to this day.
Introduction to George Colbert
Born circa 1764 in the area of Muscle Shoals, now Colbert County, Alabama, George Colbert (also known as Tootemastubbe) passed away on January 7, 1839, at Fort Towson, Choctaw Nation, Oklahoma, at the age of 74 or 75. His final resting place is also at Fort Towson, in Choctaw County, Oklahoma.
George Colbert‘s lineage was a blend of cultures. His father, James Logan Colbert, was of three-quarters Chickasaw and one-quarter Scottish descent. The Colbert family history traces back to Scotland, with ancestors migrating to France during the Jacobite Wars before eventually settling in Virginia in the early 1600s. His mother, Minta Hoya (Nahettaly Ishtanaha), was a full-blooded Chickasaw woman and the second wife of James Logan Colbert, bearing him six sons. George was the second oldest of these sons.
George Colbert was the father of several children, including Jane Colbert, Nancy Catherine Tharp, Susan "Sukey" McLish/Jones (Colbert), Lavinia Sarah Elizabeth Dunaway, George Colbert, Jr., and two others. He was also the brother of Maj. William Colbert (Cooshemataha Pyaheggo), Joseph Colbert, Samuel Colbert, and Maj. Levi Colbert (Itawamba Minco). Furthermore, he was a half-brother to James Colbert (Tonepia), Maj. William Colbert (Cooshemataha Pyaheggo), Sally Love, John Colbert, and James Holmes Colbert, among others.
A fundamental aspect of Chickasaw society was its matrilineal kinship system. This system dictated that children were considered members of their mother’s clan, and hereditary leadership positions were passed down through the maternal line. This structure ensured the continuity of traditions and cultural identity within the Chickasaw Nation.
The Chickasaw people were recognized as one of the "Five Civilized Tribes" by European Americans in the Southeastern United States. This designation stemmed from their adoption of certain European customs and practices. However, beneath the surface of assimilation lay a deep commitment to their own cultural heritage and sovereignty.
In his youth, George Colbert received training to succeed his father as chief. He ascended to the leadership of the Chickasaw people in 1808, embodying the hopes and aspirations of his nation.
Colbert was renowned for his intelligence, charisma, and diplomatic skills. He was a passionate defender of Chickasaw rights, working tirelessly to ensure their protection. He also prioritized maintaining peaceful relations with the United States government, successfully negotiating several treaties that, while ultimately fraught with complications, aimed to secure the Chickasaw’s future.
George Colbert’s Early Life
George Colbert‘s formative years were shaped by a period of significant upheaval and transformation for the Chickasaw Nation. During his childhood, the Chickasaw were embroiled in a long-standing conflict with the Creek Indians. This conflict, characterized by intermittent warfare, created an environment of constant tension and insecurity. Tragically, Colbert’s father fell victim to these conflicts, highlighting the dangers and sacrifices inherent in leadership during this era.
Amidst this turbulent backdrop, George Colbert underwent rigorous training in the skills and knowledge essential for leadership. He was immersed in the intricacies of Chickasaw culture, learning the customs, traditions, and values that defined his people. Emphasis was placed on the art of diplomacy and negotiation, recognizing their importance in navigating relations with other tribes and the encroaching United States government. He was also educated on the history of the Chickasaw people, their struggles, and their resilience in the face of adversity.
Through this comprehensive education and training, George Colbert emerged as a powerful and articulate advocate for the Chickasaw Nation. He possessed exceptional negotiating skills, enabling him to effectively mediate agreements between the Chickasaw people and representatives of the United States government.
A significant event in George Colbert‘s early life was his marriage to two daughters, Tuskiahooto and Saleechie, of Chief Doublehead, a Chickamauga Cherokee leader. Doublehead had established the settlement of Coldwater at the head of the Muscle Shoals on the Tennessee River, within territory claimed by the Chickasaw. The marriages to Colbert served to solidify relations and resolve territorial disputes.
George Colbert’s Contributions to the Chickasaw People
Throughout his life, George Colbert made substantial contributions to the Chickasaw people, leaving an indelible mark on their history and development. He played a central role in negotiating numerous treaties between the Chickasaw Nation and the United States government. He fought to ensure the Chickasaw people were treated with fairness and that their rights were respected, a challenging task given the expansionist ambitions of the United States.
Beyond diplomacy, George Colbert was a strong proponent of education and economic development within the Chickasaw Nation. Recognizing the importance of literacy in navigating the changing world, he worked to promote education among his people. He was instrumental in establishing schools and institutions of higher learning within the nation, fostering intellectual growth and empowering future generations. He also actively sought to improve the Chickasaw economy by encouraging trade and investment, recognizing the need for economic self-sufficiency.
George Colbert was a staunch defender of Chickasaw culture and traditions. He understood the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of his people and worked diligently to ensure their survival in the face of assimilation pressures.
The Trail of Tears and George Colbert
The Trail of Tears, the forced relocation of the Chickasaw people in the 1830s, stands as a dark chapter in American history. George Colbert played a crucial role during this tumultuous period. Driven by a desire to expand its territory, the United States government sought to dispossess Native American tribes of their ancestral lands. The Chickasaw people, residing in a region coveted by settlers, found themselves directly in the path of this expansionist agenda. The government, through a combination of treaties and coercive tactics, ordered the forced removal of the Chickasaw people from their homeland.
George Colbert vehemently opposed the relocation and tirelessly defended the rights of the Chickasaw people. He understood the devastating impact that forced removal would have on his people, both culturally and economically. He traveled to Washington D.C. to personally negotiate with President Andrew Jackson, appealing to his sense of justice and urging him to reconsider the relocation policy. While his efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful, George Colbert‘s courage and unwavering commitment to the Chickasaw people became a source of inspiration and a testament to his leadership.
Tragically, George Colbert did not live to see his people settled in their new territory. He died on the Chickasaw Trail of Tears at Fort Towson, Oklahoma, just before they reached Indian Territory, at the age of 75.
Celebrating the Impact of George Colbert on Native American History
The Chickasaw Nation continues to honor the legacy of George Colbert, ensuring that his contributions are never forgotten. Every year, on the anniversary of his death, the Chickasaw people gather to celebrate his life and legacy. This day serves as a time to reflect on his remarkable leadership, his unwavering commitment to his people, and the sacrifices he made to protect their rights.
The celebration is a vibrant expression of Chickasaw culture, featuring traditional dances, songs, and storytelling. It is also a moment for the Chickasaw people to contemplate George Colbert‘s legacy and its enduring relevance to the present day. His life serves as a potent reminder of the challenges faced by Native Americans in the past and the importance of standing up for their rights and fighting for justice.
George Colbert‘s legacy also underscores the importance of education and economic development within Native American communities. His efforts to improve literacy and enhance the economic well-being of the Chickasaw Nation continue to inspire and guide contemporary initiatives.
George Colbert’s Legacy Today
George Colbert‘s legacy lives on in various forms, a testament to his enduring impact. Colbert County, Alabama, is named in his honor, serving as a lasting tribute to his life and contributions. His story is woven into the fabric of Chickasaw history, inspiring future generations to embrace their cultural heritage and strive for a better future.
Conclusion
The life and legacy of George Colbert represent a significant chapter in Native American history. He was a courageous and visionary leader who fought tirelessly to protect the rights of the Chickasaw people and ensure their fair treatment. His legacy continues to be honored and celebrated by the Chickasaw Nation, and his courage and dedication serve as an inspiration to all Native Americans. His story stands as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and cultural richness of the Chickasaw people, and the importance of preserving their heritage for generations to come.