Although there are certainly unexplained phenomena occurring within the walls of Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast, our researchers have turned up a bit of pre-Civil War history that could explain some of the more humorous shenanigans reported about the grounds of the historic antebellum home.
If you have ever wandered the sidewalks or grounds surrounding the crisp, white planked home in the early morning hours or dusk, you may have caught the faint hum of singing carried on a whispering wind, but quickly dismissed the inkling.
There is good reason to believe that the rumored supernatural activity surrounding the manor house can be attributed to a ghostly council of Creek Indians. Before one conjures images of scalpings or Mohawk bearing warriors, let us assure you that this clan of Native Americans was more interested in farming and family life than making war.
According to Peggy Lamberson in her book titled, ‘Main Street Covington: From its Creation to Modern Times’, “The Creek Nation was a highly organized people with a complicated social and political structure. Each town had a council of respected, high ranking men, at the head of which sat the micco. Towns of the confederation were divided into Red (war) and White (peace).” Though not much of their oral history has remained intact, archeological evidence suggests that Covington, Georgia was a Creek Nation “White town”.
Being a matrilineal based society, Marriage, Family and the celebrations that come with milestone rights of passage such as marriage were common place. House building, farming and other daily living activities were communal affairs, much akin to the barn raisings of white settlers, complete with dancing and singing.
Should you find yourself walking down Washington Street in Covington, try to listen for the ethereal residents of Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast. If lucky, you may just hear the echoes of drumbeats and laughter from our bygone Creek Indian neighbors as they celebrate their community.
