Tomochichi
In Savannah, Tomochichi led the Yamacraw band made up of 200 Lower Creeks and Yamasee. He controlled the area, and new settlers had to request his permission to form new settlements there as they arrived. This included James Edward Oglethorpe, a military leader who brought a group of over 100 settlers to the banks of the Savannah River in February of 1733. Though they spoke different languages, an interpreter was able to assist with the negotiation process as Oglethorpe requested to settle on Tomochichi’s land. That month, the city of Savannah was born.
Tomochichi and the Yamacraw band was a force to be reckoned with. They advocated on important matters that affected their people, and helped to enforce efforts to pay back Native Americans that had their land taken from them. Out of all of the English colonies, the Colony of Georgia maintained the most peace with the Native Americans. The success of the colony’s partnership with the Native Americans is due to Tomochichi and Oglethorpe’s well established friendship.
One year after their initial meeting, Tomochichi and Oglethorpe traveled to England along with a small crew. They met with prominent British figures, including King George II. During this meeting, Tomochichi presented the King with a gift as a token of peace, and they went on to sign the Articles of Friendship and Commerce. This treaty allowed British settlers to continue to come to Yamacraw Bluff, present day Savannah, and peacefully settle on the land. Tomochichi advocated for education for his people, and worked alongside Benjamin Ingham to create the first Indian school which opened in 1736.
Alongside Oglethorpe, the pair worked together to establish the southern boundaries of the Colony of Georgia. Keeping with their personalities, they strived to maintain the peace between them and the Spanish through this expedition. Oglethorpe followed in Tomochichi’s footsteps on this front, often asking him for guidance on navigating peaceful interactions. During this process, Tomochichi fell ill. While Tomochichi was unable to participate directly in the negotiations, Oglethorpe put what he had learned from him in action and led these efforts. In the end, he was able to successfully negotiate a mutually favorable treaty.
While history is unclear on when Tomochichi was born, the best estimate is that it was somewhere in the 1650’s. In 1739, after falling ill, Tomochichi passed away. Some of his last words to his people were of him advising them to keep the peace with King George II, and remain friends with them in the future. After his passing, his wife and nephew led the tribe he had left behind.
His legacy was commemorated by both his tribe and the British, honoring his endless contributions to the success of the Colony of Georgia. The city of Savannah also honored his legacy with a monument established in Wright Square, which was erected in 1899. The plaque reads: “In memory of Tomochichi – the Mico of the Yamacraws – the companion of Oglethorpe – and the friend and ally of the Colony of Georgia. ”
More Notable People Connected to Savannah
William Bull
