William McIntosh
William McIntosh was a prominent figure in Creek history, serving as the principal chief of the Lower Creek town of Coweta. Born to a Scottish father and a Creek mother, he sought to modernize tribal governance and foster positive relations with the United States, often at the expense of ceding tribal lands. McIntosh embraced the lifestyle of a southern planter and navigated both Creek and white cultural spheres with relative ease. His leadership faced significant opposition from the Red Stick faction, traditionalists who resisted his policies, which ultimately led to his involvement in the Creek War from 1813 to 1814. McIntosh's most significant political actions included signing treaties that resulted in significant land cessions, culminating in the 1825 Treaty of Indian Springs. This treaty was controversial as it violated a decree from the Creek National Council against unauthorized land cessions, leading to a death sentence for McIntosh. His execution was carried out by a group led by the former Red Stick leader Menewa, marking a tragic end to his efforts for a more centralized Creek government. Despite his demise, McIntosh's family, including his brother and sons, continued to play influential roles in Creek politics.
Subject Terms
William McIntosh
Native American Leader
- Born: c. 1775
- Birthplace: Coweta, Georgia
- Died: May 1, 1825
- Place of death: Acorn Town, Alabama
Tribal affiliation: Creek
Significance: McIntosh led the pro-American faction of the Creeks during the early nineteenth century, signing treaties ceding much land to the United States
Son of a Scottish father and Creek mother, William McIntosh was principal chief of the important Lower Creek town of Coweta. He and his followers sought a more centralized tribal government and good relations with the United States, even at the cost of ceding tribal lands. McIntosh adopted the lifestyle of a southern planter and moved easily in both Creek and white culture.
McIntosh was opposed by the Red Stick faction of Creek traditionalists and fought against them in the Creek War (1813-1814). McIntosh signed several treaties ceding Creek land, climaxing in the 1825 Treaty of Indian Springs, which ceded most of the tribe’s remaining land east of the Mississippi. This violated a decree of the Creek National Council that prescribed the death penalty for any Creek who ceded tribal land without the council’s consent. The council ordered McIntosh’s execution. This was duly carried out by a party led by the former Red Stick Menewa. McIntosh’s brother and sons subsequently played major roles in Creek politics.