Long before the first explorers ever discovered this area, it was a busy trade center due to the Chattahoochee River.  This is the largest and longest river and Georgia and one of the 200 navigable streams in America.

Professor James Mooney, a noted archeologist, states that in 1540, Desoto descended the Chattahoochee River to Coweta Falls (now Columbus) in search of  the wealth of "Chiaha".  He further stated that Desoto then went westward to the Mississippi.  Sadly, Desoto did not find "Chiaha", as it would have long disappeared before his arrival.

Excavation of burial grounds in Alabama near Columbus has shown evidence of a much older Indian civilization which resembled Mexican findings where the religion centered around the serpent and the sun.  They found workmanship greatly skilled in metals and textiles.  However, these tribal people had long disappeared by the arrival of Desoto and other European explorers. The influx of Spaniards into the center of these tribes in Mexico appears to have hastened the extinction of these tribes.

New, smaller tribes came into the area.  They did not appear to have the artistic skills of the older tribes.  These tribes were not as adept in weaving and pottery.  The legends or myths of the old tribes remained among the newer ones.

The land was rich for planting maize.  The river offered a wealth of food in the fish and game abounded.  These younger tribes did not worship the Sun and Serpent, but one Great Spirit.

Before 1707 trade was coming through this area from Charleston, SC to Mobile, which was then a French town.  General Oglethorpe crossed the Chattahoochee River here to meet with the Great Chiefs at Coweta Town in 1739.  This town was the capital of the Creek Nation.