Native American Tribal Information
Native American Information
Catawba Tribe of South Carolina
Catawba Tribe of South Carolina
The Catawba (also known as Issa or Esaw, but most commonly Iswa) are a sovereign and recognized nation, not a tribe, of Native Americans, in the Southeast United States, along the border between North and South Carolina. The Catawba were once considered one of the most powerful eastern Siouan tribes. The Catawba began settling in this region of North America in the mid 17th century. It is a matter of some debate as to where the Catawba lived prior to European settlement, but the central and southeastern Great Lakes region is a generally accepted and much cited location.
Primarily involved in agriculture, the Catawba were friendly towards early European colonists. However they were at almost constant war with the Iroquois, Shawnees, Delaware, and other tribes of the Ohio Valley.
Despite their small number, Catawbas served as patriots in the American Revolutionary War, fighting alongside other American revolutionaries against the British in battles such as Guilford Court House. Though their contribution to the Revolution was greatly appreciated in South Carolina, the population and land holdings of the Catawbas continued to dwindle as Americans settlers flourished around them.
Although the tribe had an estimated 5,000 living in North and South Carolina prior to the Revolutionary War, constant warfare and smallpox epidemics eventually weakened the tribe to the extent they were forced to lease part of their reservation in 1826 and the remaining land in 1840. Although North Carolina refused to set aside land for the tribe, South Carolina granted them 800 acres (3.2 km²) where the Catawba live today.
As of 2006, about 2600 Catawbas remain, most in South Carolina, with smaller groups in Oklahoma, Colorado, and elsewhere. The Catawba State Reserve, located in York County, South Carolina, has a population of 124 (1990). The Catawba language, which is now being resurrected, is part of the Siouan-Catawban family (Catawban branch).
The tribe was officially recognized by the state of South Carolina in 1993. Its headquarters is at Rock Hill, South Carolina.
The Catawba River and Catawba County take their names from the nation.
Even more about Catawba Tribe of South Carolina
Catawba Tribe of South Carolina
Along the banks of the Catawba River in North and South Carolina - York and Lancaster counties Today: The tribe occupies a 640-acre reservation near Rock Hill, South Carolina - York ...
South Carolina SC - Indians, Native Americans - Catawba
The Catawba (also known as Issa or Esaw, but most commonly Iswa) are a tribe of Native Americans, in the Southeast United States, along the border between North and South Carolina.
