Nestled deep in the Big Thicket of East Texas lies Texas' oldest reservation, home of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. Some 550 Tribe members call these 4,600 acres of timberland near Livingston in Polk County their home.

Both members of the Upper Creek Confederacy of Indians and the Muskogean Nation, the Alabamas came to Tyler County in 1805, while the Coushattas arrived in East Texas sometime after 1795. When land given to them by the Texas Congress was overtaken by white settlers, Sam Houston himself, as a gesture of gratitude for supporting Texas’ independence, recommended that the State purchase land for each tribe. When the Coushatta acreage was never deeded, the Alabamas shared their land. After an era of friendship and support, the two tribes became united as the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas.

Not only are the Alabama-Coushatta among the earliest settlers of Texas, but they have passed many historic milestones—the Texas Revolution, the Civil War, and World War II—alongside their Texan neighbors. Ever proud of their heritage and their Texas roots, the Alabama-Coushatta pursued legislation to become federally recognized and was awarded their sovereignty in August, 1987.

The Alabama-Coushatta are a very proud people and work hard to hold on to their culture while embracing the modern, ever-changing world of technology. A large majority of tribe members speak the Native language and great efforts are made to keep the language and traditional crafts alive. But the Alabama-Coushatta are also valuable members of the East Texas community; long-time Christians who are focused on caring for their families and planning for their future. They are a productive people, governed responsibly by a Tribal Council that maintains social infrastructure and runs the day-to-day business of the reservation.

The Alabama-Coushatta go to great lengths to honor their heritage and to consider future generations by thinking about how each decision they make will affect 7 generations back and 7 generations forward. This traditional philosophy, combined with a faith-based focus on daily living, helps them stay committed to bettering themselves and their community..

Read more about the history of the Alabama-Coushatta.