Tomochichi and the Founding of Savannah: The Native Leader Behind Georgia’s Peaceful Origins
Historical depiction of Tomochichi and James Oglethorpe on the banks of the Savannah River imagined and curated in Ai then artfully mastered by Artist Charles Maring for Savannah Proper.
A Visionary Leader at the Edge of Empire
In the early 18th century, as European powers vied for control of the American Southeast, a Native leader emerged who would play a pivotal role in the peaceful establishment of Georgia’s first city. Tomochichi, mico (chief) of the Yamacraw people, was instrumental in the founding of Savannah and in forging a lasting alliance with General James Oglethorpe and the British colonists.
Historical depiction of Tomochichi imagined and curated in Ai then artfully mastered by Artist Charles Maring for Savannah Proper.
Forging the Yamacraw Nation
Around 1728, Tomochichi formed the Yamacraw tribe, composed of about 200 Lower Creek and Yamasee Indians. These individuals had broken away from their respective tribes following disagreements over future relations with European settlers. The Yamacraw settled on the bluffs of the Savannah River, an area significant for its ancestral ties and proximity to English traders from South Carolina .
A Historic Meeting on Yamacraw Bluff
In 1733, General James Oglethorpe and 114 colonists from Great Britain arrived on Yamacraw Bluff to establish the colony of Georgia. Tomochichi, having previous experience with colonists, approached the newcomers with cautious optimism. Through the efforts of interpreter Mary Musgrove, who had both Creek and English heritage, Tomochichi and Oglethorpe negotiated a treaty allowing the establishment of Savannah. This agreement also opened avenues for trade between the Yamacraw and the colonists .
Diplomatic Journey to England
In 1734, Tomochichi, his wife Senauki, their adopted son Toonahowi, and six Lower Creek tribesmen accompanied Oglethorpe on a trip to England. During this visit, Tomochichi met with King George II, Queen Caroline, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Georgia Trustees. He advocated for education and fair trade policies for his people. The delegation's presence in London garnered significant attention, with the Yamacraw being featured in newspapers and public events .
Contributions to the Colony
Upon returning to Georgia, Tomochichi continued to support the colony's development. He assisted in laying out roads, including the first one from Savannah to Darien (New Inverness) to the south. In 1736, with the help of Benjamin Ingham, a friend of John and Charles Wesley, Tomochichi oversaw the establishment of a short-lived school for the Yamacraw in Irene, near present-day Savannah.
Final Days and Lasting Legacy
In August 1739, while Oglethorpe was on a diplomatic mission to Coweta, Tomochichi fell gravely ill. He passed away on October 5, 1739, in his home village. Honoring Tomochichi's request to be buried in the city he helped establish, Oglethorpe organized a military funeral and had him interred in Percival Square (now Wright Square) in Savannah. A pyramid of stones marked his grave, symbolizing his significant role in the colony's founding .
Commemoration and Memory
Over time, Tomochichi's grave marker was lost, and in 1883, a monument to William Washington Gordon was erected in Wright Square. Public outcry over the neglect of Tomochichi's memory led to the erection of a new monument. On April 21, 1899, the Georgia Society of the Colonial Dames of America dedicated a granite boulder with a copper plaque in the southeast corner of Wright Square to honor Tomochichi's contributions .
A Legacy of Peace and Partnership
Tomochichi's leadership and diplomacy were crucial in the peaceful establishment of Savannah and the colony of Georgia. His alliance with Oglethorpe set a precedent for cooperation between Native Americans and European settlers.Today, visitors to Wright Square can reflect on Tomochichi's enduring legacy and the foundational role he played in Georgia's history.