The First Invasion of Georgia and the Myth of Westo Power, 1656–1684

In 1659, a mysterious people, later known as the Westos, attacked the Native American towns of central Georgia and began enslaving those it captured. These assaults marked the beginning of two decades in which Westo slave raids terrorized the region and helped trigger massive changes in the socio-political landscape of the Deep South. Yet little is known about the Westos’ initial forays into the area, and why they were so successful. Most scholars believe their success hinged on their acquisition and use of firearms against bow-and-arrow cultures. This essay argues for a more nuanced and realistic interpretation of Westo power as demonstrated by the route they used to access the Deep South, the types of weapons available to them, the tactics they used, and ultimately, how the indigenous people of region interpreted the Westos’ presence.