Join us in celebrating Native American Heritage Month here at Gallopade!
Native people and Indigenous communities left a lasting mark on the U.S. and profoundly influenced its history and culture. Discover the incredible individuals and significant events that deserve recognition and celebration this November and throughout the year!
During World War II, a remarkable group of Navajo men made a vital contribution to the Allied forces by using their native language to develop an unbreakable code for secure military communication. Known as the Navajo Code Talkers, these brave individuals served in the U.S. Marines and created a unique code based on the unwritten Navajo language, which included complex syntax, tonal qualities, and dialects that made it nearly impossible for enemies to decipher. The code talkers used word association to assign Navajo words to key military phrases and tactics, ensuring that messages remained confidential and quickly relayed.[1]
The Navajo code was so effective that the Japanese military could never decrypt a single message. In fact, the code talkers could translate three lines of English into Navajo in just 20 seconds — a speed that far surpassed existing code-breaking machines of the time. This efficiency and accuracy proved crucial during battles such as Iwo Jima, where the Navajo Code Talkers transmitted more than 800 messages over the course of the conflict, greatly contributing to the Allied victory. By the end of the war, approximately 540 Navajos served as Marines, with between 375 and 420 trained as Code Talkers!
Their contribution remained classified until 1968 when the U.S. government declassified their mission. It wasn’t until many years later that these courageous men received the recognition they deserved! The original 29 Navajo Code Talkers were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, and subsequent Code Talkers received the Congressional Silver Medal. In 1992, the Department of Defense honored the surviving Code Talkers with a dedicated exhibit at the Pentagon, where a display of photographs, equipment, and the original code now stands as a testament to their skill and bravery.[2]
Tomochichi, the Chief of the Yamacraw, was an essential figure in establishing the colony of Georgia and a staunch ally to the English settlers. In 1728, he created the Yamacraw tribe, bringing together around 200 Lower Creeks and Yamasees who had split from their original tribes over disagreements about how to deal with European settlers. The Yamacraw settled along the bluffs of the Savannah River, near the burial grounds of their ancestors and close to English traders from South Carolina.[3]
Though his precise birthdate is uncertain — believed to be around 1650 or perhaps as early as 1644 — Tomochichi was well into his 80s or 90s when he met General James Oglethorpe in 1733. He may have been an "elder," but his wisdom was anything but old news! At the time, Oglethorpe was a young man of 36, leading 114 settlers to the banks of the Savannah River.
When the English arrived, Tomochichi, the leader of a group of around 200 Lower Creeks and Yamasee known as the Yamacraw, was the person to see about securing a land grant for the new settlement. Negotiating through an interpreter, Tomochichi and Oglethorpe struck an agreement, exchanging gifts of buffalo skins, cloth, gunpowder, pipes, and tobacco. On February 12th, 1733, the city of Savannah was officially born, thanks to the goodwill and cooperation of Tomochichi!
Just over a year after Savannah was established, Tomochichi, his wife, Senauki, their adopted nephew, Toonahowi, and several Yamacraw warriors traveled to England with Oglethorpe. Their visit caused a sensation in London, drawing public and press attention. The group brought exotic gifts, such as a bald eagle and a massive
bear skin, and met King George II, Queen Carolina, and the young Duke of Cumberland. The delegation’s purpose was twofold: to support Oglethorpe’s fundraising and to advocate for fair treatment of Native Americans. Upon returning, Tomochichi and Oglethorpe’s friendship remained strong. Their relationship contributed greatly to Georgia’s relatively peaceful relations with Native Americans compared to other colonies!
When Tomochichi fell gravely ill, Oglethorpe rushed back to Savannah but arrived too late. On his deathbed, Tomochichi requested, “Bury me in the white men’s town, in the land which my people gave them and in the home which I helped them build.” Honoring this wish, Oglethorpe arranged for a full military procession and burial at Percival Square (now Wright Square). Though the details are lost to history, this may have been the first monument by the British in the New World to honor a Native American leader.
Tomochichi’s legacy endures as that of a peacemaker, a visionary leader, and a steadfast friend. As Oglethorpe once stated, “I am a red man, an Indian, in my heart; that is why I love them.” Tomochichi echoed this sentiment during a standoff, declaring, “Shoot me. If you desire to kill anyone, kill me, for I am an Englishman.” Their bond is a testament to the power of understanding and cooperation in shaping history.[4]
Mary Musgrove was the daughter of an English trader, Edward Griffin, and a Creek mother related to prominent Creek leaders Brims and Chigelli. Growing up in her Creek village of Coweta and the South Carolina colony, she learned Muskogee and English. Though of mixed heritage, she was considered a full member of Creek society and the Wind Clan, as Creek identity is passed through the mother.
In 1717, Mary married English trader John Musgrove, and they established a trading post near the Savannah River, playing a pivotal role in the colony’s early trade with Native Americans. In 2002, archaeologists uncovered the site of this trading post just before a construction project by the Georgia Ports Authority began.[5]
When Georgia was founded, Mary stepped in as the interpreter and mediator between James Oglethorpe and Chief Tomochichi — two people we’ve already gotten to know quite well! She helped secure a peaceful relationship, making her vital to the colony’s success. From 1733 to 1743, Mary served as Oglethorpe’s chief interpreter, earning financial compensation and considerable respect for her work. Much of Oglethorpe’s knowledge about Creek customs and politics came directly from her insights![6]
Mary's influence grew after the death of her first husband in 1735. In 1737, Mary remarried, this time to Jacob Matthews, and together they set up another trading post at Mount Venture on the Altamaha River. When Matthews passed away in 1742, Mary married for a third and final time to Reverend Thomas Bosomworth, elevating her status within colonial society.
Musgrove is best known for her contentious land claims in Georgia. In 1737, Chief Tomochichi granted her land near Savannah, and later, Creek leader Malatchi granted her three Sea Islands: Ossabaw, Sapelo, and St. Catherines. British authorities disputed these claims, arguing that only nations could grant land to individuals. For years, Mary fought to secure her rights, eventually winning St. Catherines Island and compensation.[7]
Mary died sometime after 1763, leaving behind a complex legacy as a cultural mediator and advocate for Creek rights. In 1993, she was posthumously honored by being inducted into the Georgia Women of Achievement.[8]
Ways You Can Celebrate at Home or in Your Classroom
Learning about influential Indigenous figures is just one way to engage with Native American Heritage Month! Here are a few activities to help you celebrate and honor the culture, contributions, and history of Native Americans:
Create a Timeline Project: Encourage students to create a timeline highlighting the lives of Native American leaders and their influence on American history. This project will help students visually understand the context and contributions of these figures.
Organize a Cultural Fair: If you’re in a classroom setting, consider hosting a Native American Cultural Fair. Students can research various tribes, create presentations, and share what they’ve learned with their peers. Include interactive activities like storytelling, traditional crafts, and even a cooking demo with Indigenous recipes.
Support Native American Businesses and Charities: Look for Native American-led nonprofits and businesses in your area and consider how you can support them. This might include purchasing handmade goods, donating to causes, or volunteering your time.
Invite a Native American Speaker or Watch Virtual Events: Many organizations host virtual talks, storytelling sessions, or panel discussions featuring Native American speakers during November. You can attend these online or invite a local Indigenous speaker to talk about their heritage and traditions. For reference, here are some links to explore:
- https://www.amrevmuseum.org/virtualexhibits/meet-the-figures-oneida-nation-theater
- https://indianartsandculture.org/online-exhibitions/
- https://iaia.edu/mocna/virtual-exhibitions/
- https://mobileapps.mpm.edu/3dtours/tribute/
Celebrate Native American Heritage Year-Round
While November is a special time to reflect and honor Native American heritage, we encourage everyone to engage with these histories, cultures, and contributions throughout the year. Explore our Native American Heritage titles to discover more about the people and places that shaped the rich cultural history of Indigenous tribes and nations!
Stay tuned for more Gallopade blogs filled with helpful information and resources, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X for more insights and stories that highlight Native American heritage all month long.
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Sources
[1] “Navajo Code Talkers, True Heroes: Navajo Code Talkers.” Interviews, Videos & More, navajocodetalkers.org/navajo-code-talkers-true-heroes/. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
[2] Navajo Code Talkers: World War II Fact Sheet, www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/n/code-talkers.html. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
[3] “Tomochichi Brief Biography.” Georgia Historical Society, 3 Nov. 2023, www.georgiahistory.com/resource/tomochichi/brief-biography/.
[4] Jenmlay. “The Legacy of Tomochichi: Chief, Friend, and Ally.” Savannah, GA | Savannah.Com, 4 Oct. 2023, www.savannah.com/the-legacy-of-tomochichi-chief-friend-and-ally/.
[5] “Archaeologists Find 18th Century Savannah River Trading Post.” AccessWDUN, accesswdun.com/article/2002/7/192078. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
[6] Jenmlay. “The Legacy of Tomochichi: Chief, Friend, and Ally.” Savannah, GA | Savannah.Com, 4 Oct. 2023, www.savannah.com/the-legacy-of-tomochichi-chief-friend-and-ally/.
[7] “Mary Musgrove.” Georgia Historical Society, 6 Nov. 2023, www.georgiahistory.com/resource/mary-musgrove/.
[8] Jenmlay. “The Legacy of Tomochichi: Chief, Friend, and Ally.” Savannah, GA | Savannah.Com, 4 Oct. 2023, www.savannah.com/the-legacy-of-tomochichi-chief-friend-and-ally/.
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