The State of Alabama has long been the home of many Shawnee people. In fact, some historians report that perhaps the Shawnees have inhabited Alabama for a longer period of time than any other geographic region. Some archaeologists set the date of 1685 as the first evidence of Shawnee settlement in Alabama. However, oral tradition recounts that the Shawnee have lived in Alabama much longer that. Ancient burial sites that used burial methods common to the Shawnee have been located in several sections of the State of Alabama. The State of Alabama has long been the home of many Shawnee people. In fact, some historians report that perhaps the Shawnees have inhabited Alabama for a longer period of time than any other geographic region. Some archaeologists set the date of 1685 as the first evidence of Shawnee settlement in Alabama. However, oral tradition recounts that the Shawnee have lived in Alabama much longer that. Ancient burial sites that used burial methods common to the Shawnee have been located in several sections of the State of Alabama. Early accounts can be confusing since what is now called Alabama was once a part of the Georgia Territory. Several early maps show Shawnee settlements in what is now the State of Alabama.
Early French and English maps show several Shawnee towns in what would be considered Upper Creek territory in Alabama. Some of the most notable were near modern Alabama towns. One village was near present day Talladega and was known in English as Shawnee Town. Another town was near Sylacauga. In 1750 the French took a census mentioning the Shawnee at Sylacauga as well as enumerating another Shawnee town called Cayomulgi (currently spelled Kyamulga Town) that was located nearby. Kiamulgatown was also listed in an 1832 census. A 1761 English census names Tallapoosa Town. This town was also named in a 1792 census by Marbury. There are French military records that mention a Shawnee presence at Wetumpka near Fort Toulouse. In most cases the traders called Alabama Indians "Creeks" because they lived on the numerous creeks and waterways in the area. Many of these "Creeks" were not of the same tribe or nation. Rather they went by a large number of names. Each group maintained their own unique heritage while living side by side with their neighbors.