The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has the oldest reservation in the state located on approximately 10,200 acres in the Big Thicket of Deep East Texas. The Tribe is a fully functioning sovereign government with a full array of health and human services, including law enforcement and emergency services. There are more than 1,300 members, about half of whom live on the reservation. The Tribe is governed by an elected Tribal Council and advised by a Principal Chief, Donnis Battise, Mikko Choba, Chief Kanicu, and Second Chief, Millie Thompson Williams, Mikko Istimatokla, Chief Poliika Istaaya.
Origins
The tribes lived in adjacent areas in what is now the state of Alabama, By 1780, the tribes had migrated to modern-day East Texas. Although they were two separate tribes, the Alabamas and Coushattas have been closely associated throughout their history. Their cultures have some differences but for the most part are nearly identical.
The Tribe’s Triumph in Texas History
During the Mexican War of Independence from Spain, the tribes fought with the revolutionaries. Their many combined contributions included a battalion of 300 warriors who were instrumental to the capture of San Antonio in the April 1, 1813 battle. The newly formed Mexican government recognized both tribes independently and offered them tracts of land for permanent settlement. Those lands are attributed to the tribes in early maps of the region, including Stephen F. Austin’s 1829 map of Texas.
In 1836, Sam Houston brokered a treaty with the tribes before the Texas War of Independence from Mexico. The agreement provided the title of land between the Neches and Sabine rivers for one community with both tribes in return for assurance the tribes would not side with Mexico. Tribal members served as guides for Houston’s army and provided provisions to feed Texas refugees fleeing from Santa Anna’s army. Today, Houston’s descendants still acknowledge that contribution to the Republic of Texas.
Timeline
1780's
The Alabama and Coushatta tribes migrate across the Sabine River into Spanish controlled territory of modern day Texas.
1813
Both the Alabama and Coushatta tribes distinguish themselves in the Mexican War of Independence.
1836
The tribes assist Sam Houston’s army during the Texas War of Independence from Mexico.
1839
The Republic of Texas recognizes the tribes’ equitable claim to lands in the new country.
1987
The Restoration Act passes Congress and restores the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe to federal recognition.
