Statham Shares a Common Bond with the First Thanksgiving

Founded more than 270 years after the first Thanksgiving, the city of Statham owes its rich history to a similar bond between Native American Indians and early settlers.

Whereas the first Thanksgiving was a celebratory feast of the first successful harvest shared by the Plymouth colonists (aka pilgrims) and the Wampanoag Indians, the earliest settlers to the region now known as Statham lived peacefully alongside Creek and Cherokee Indians in the Talasee Colony (circa 1784) for many years.

Legend holds that a portion of the Indian Village Calamit — located within the colony on a major trade route between Atlanta and Athens then known as the Ocoloco Trail — was purchased from Creek Indian Chief Umausauga by settlers for the rumored price of 14 pounds of beads. Statham would hold several monikers over the years, including Beadland (lending credence to the legend), Barber's Creek and DeLay before receiving its name from the original owners of the local country store and post office, Mr. and Mrs. M. J. C. Statham.

In a similar twist of historical significance, Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln exactly 29 years prior to the incorporation of the city of Statham.

Mayor Bridges, the Statham City Council and city of Statham employees wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!

Do you have the scoop on the latest news, events and happenings straight from the city streets of Statham? Tell us in comments. 

Check back every Wednesday for a new City Spotlight on Statham.