Which Native American tribe is known for living in the southeastern United States before removal?

The Creek tribe is recognized for its historical presence in the southeastern United States prior to their removal during the 19th century. The Creek people, also known as the Muscogee, inhabited regions that are now Georgia and Alabama. They were part of the larger group of Native American tribes—often referred to as the "Five Civilized Tribes"—which also included the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole. These tribes developed complex societies, engaging in agriculture, trade, and various forms of governance.

The Creek tribe's significant involvement in the cultural, social, and economic activities of the southeastern U.S. contributed to their prominence before the forced relocations known as the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Their experiences during this period of upheaval, particularly during the Trail of Tears, have become a powerful narrative in their history and the history of Native Americans in the region.

In contrast, the Sioux, Pawnee, and Shoshone tribes are primarily associated with the Great Plains and western regions of the United States. They had different lifestyles and cultures, shaped by their unique environments and experiences, separate from the southeastern United States context.