Apalachee and Lower Creek Indians, also known as Muskegee Indians once occupied the territory of Coffee County before the white men arrived. Most of their villages could be found along the Oconee, Flint, and Chattahooche Rivers. Their route of travel brought them through the area of present-day Coffee County. Due to the abundance of wildlife in the area, the Indians used this region mainly as hunting grounds. Many times they would come to the area and camp for weeks at the time.

One trail used by the Indians during travel was located about five miles east of Douglas on the Seventeen Mile Creek. The area of the crossing is known as Indian Ford or Indian Springs. A regular camping site was located about fifteen miles northeast of Douglas on Mr. J.M. Lott's old home place. At one time during the history of Coffee County Indian mounds could be seen near Gaskin Springs and Indian Ford.

Many of these Indians were upset over the arrival of the white man. On several different occasions, they were known to attack. One such incident happened near West Green, Ga. All settlers were asked to report to a nearby fort for safety. Settlers were expecting an Indian attack. A negro slave lady was asked to return to the home of her master to gather clothing for the children. Indians robbed the home and murdered the negro lady. Another incident occurred not far from Pridgen when a Grantham family was killed by Indians. A posse of men was mustered and gave chase. Finally, near the Flint River in Albany, Ga. the posse caught up with the Indians. Many Indians were killed , while others swam across to safety. Bare in mind, however, that not all Indians were harmful to the white man's settlement.

Finally, Andrew Jackson succeeded in forcing the Indians to surrender. By the year 1814, Indians couldn't be found in the area. These Indians didn't leave any history behind. All sources of their existence were gone, except for buried arrowheads and broken pottery.

Source: Ward's History of Coffee County