Tecumseh and the Prophets
Treaties with the whites had always seemed to work against them. The U.S. Government had adopted a persistent policy to change Creek government and culture. The newest insult was that the United States had planned a new road through Upper Creek land without first asking for permission. Encouraged by British promises of support, Tecumseh hoped to unite all tribes to rid the land of whites. The Upper Creeks fervently embraced his ideas. The Lower Creeks did not.
Mystical men called “Prophets” spread Tecumsehs message. The Master of Breath would reward those who returned to the old ways.
The prophets claimed to have magical powers, to be able to change dry land to swamps, to cause musket balls to break apart on striking their bodies, to draw magic rings where any white who entered would die. They preached, working themselves into a frenzy and dancing the “Dance of the Lakes.” On the rise in front of you three prophets danced at the start of the battle, screaming curses at the enemy and urging the Creeks to fight.
Erected by National
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Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • War of 1812.
Location. Memorial has been reported missing. It was located near 32° 58.966′ N, 85° 44.119′ W. Memorial was in Daviston, Alabama, in Tallapoosa County. It was on Horseshoe Bend Road. The marker was located in Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Tour Stop #5. Touch for map. Memorial was in this post office area: Daviston AL 36256, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial was in East Alabama. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it was in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain, the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Horseshoe Bend Campaign Combatants
Regarding Tecumseh and the Prophets. This marker is has been removed and replaced by a new version of the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 953 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 18, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
