pre-historic and historic indians ofamericaandalabama

Pre-Historic and Historic Pre-Historic and Historic IndiansIndians

Of Of AmericaAmerica

andandAlabama Alabama

Alabama Course of Study- Social StudiesAlabama Course of Study- Social Studies 33rdrd Grade Grade

Describe prehistoric and historic American Indian cultures, Describe prehistoric and historic American Indian cultures, governments, and economies in Alabama.governments, and economies in Alabama.

Examples: prehistoric American Indians- Examples: prehistoric American Indians- Paleo-Indian, Archaic, Paleo-Indian, Archaic, Woodland, MississippianWoodland, Mississippian historic American Indians- historic American Indians- Choctaw, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, CreekCherokee, Creek

Identifying roles of archaeologists and paleontologists Identifying roles of archaeologists and paleontologists

The Paleo- IndiansThe Paleo- Indians

The first “American” IndiansThe first “American” Indians Arrived about 12,000 – 14,000 years ago. Arrived about 12,000 – 14,000 years ago. Originally nomadic Asian (mongoloid) hunters who Originally nomadic Asian (mongoloid) hunters who

crossed into North America via a 600 mile –wide crossed into North America via a 600 mile –wide land bridge connecting Asia with North America in land bridge connecting Asia with North America in the area of the Bering Straight (Beringia).the area of the Bering Straight (Beringia).

These hunters crossed the land bridge in pursuit of These hunters crossed the land bridge in pursuit of megafaunamegafauna- - large mammals of the era which large mammals of the era which included woolly mammoths, giant bison, mastodon, included woolly mammoths, giant bison, mastodon, giant land sloth, and small animals such as miniature giant land sloth, and small animals such as miniature horses and camels. horses and camels.

When the Ice Age ended, Beringia became covered When the Ice Age ended, Beringia became covered with water- thus isolating the inhabitants of the with water- thus isolating the inhabitants of the Americas. Americas.

By 8,000 B.C. the Paleo- Indians had peopled the By 8,000 B.C. the Paleo- Indians had peopled the North and South America continents to the tip of North and South America continents to the tip of South America.South America.

About 9,000 B.C. the About 9,000 B.C. the ClovisClovis point – a superior spear point – a superior spear head- appeared in what is today the southwestern head- appeared in what is today the southwestern United States.United States.

As the climate began to change and as use of the As the climate began to change and as use of the clovis point spread, the big game and small horses clovis point spread, the big game and small horses died off- the largest animals left on the continents died off- the largest animals left on the continents were the bear, bison, and moose. were the bear, bison, and moose.

Clovis pointsClovis points

The Archaic PeriodThe Archaic Period

The “Cave- Dwellers”The “Cave- Dwellers”

““Meso- Indian Period”Meso- Indian Period”

Considered the 2nd period of human occupation of Considered the 2nd period of human occupation of the Americas.the Americas.

8,000- 1,000 B.C.8,000- 1,000 B.C. Archaic people typically lived in groups (bands) of Archaic people typically lived in groups (bands) of

50-150 people.50-150 people. Nomadic people- Nomadic people- hunters/ gathershunters/ gathers- seasonal foods - seasonal foods

important- hickory nuts, acorns, persimmons, important- hickory nuts, acorns, persimmons, blackberries, etc – deer, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, blackberries, etc – deer, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, etc.etc.

Many Archaic people located themselves near Many Archaic people located themselves near streams and rivers- fish, mussels, etc. (Shell mounds streams and rivers- fish, mussels, etc. (Shell mounds emerge- some over 15 ft. high.) emerge- some over 15 ft. high.)

The The atlatlatlatl (spear thrower) was developed as to (spear thrower) was developed as to improve hunting.improve hunting.

- this improved range and velocity.- this improved range and velocity.

New technologies New technologies emerge- grinding stone emerge- grinding stone for weapons and tools.for weapons and tools.

Projectile Points Projectile Points become more varied and become more varied and sophisticated. sophisticated.

Personal items such as Personal items such as stone pipes and cooking stone pipes and cooking vessels emerge. vessels emerge.

Copper is first used by Copper is first used by Native Americans Native Americans during this period. during this period.

Russell Cave in Doran’s Russell Cave in Doran’s Cove (Bridgeport) in Cove (Bridgeport) in Jackson County was Jackson County was used for over 10,000 used for over 10,000 years by Paleo- Indians years by Paleo- Indians and their descendants. and their descendants.

It is believed that Native It is believed that Native Americans were making Americans were making use of this cave as early use of this cave as early as 9,000 years ago.as 9,000 years ago.

Russell Cave is Russell Cave is considered by considered by most most archaeologists to archaeologists to be the earliest be the earliest known site of known site of human human occupation in the occupation in the Southeastern Southeastern U.S. U.S.

The Woodland PeriodThe Woodland Period

Period of human history in the Americas between the Period of human history in the Americas between the Archaic and Mississippian Periods.Archaic and Mississippian Periods.

Named for the eastern woodlands of North America.Named for the eastern woodlands of North America. 300 B.C.- 1,000 A.D.300 B.C.- 1,000 A.D. This period is considered a developmental stage This period is considered a developmental stage

without any massive changes in a short time but without any massive changes in a short time but instead having a continuous development in tools, instead having a continuous development in tools, textiles and leather, farming, and shelter construction. textiles and leather, farming, and shelter construction.

Late in the period, Native Americans begin to use Late in the period, Native Americans begin to use bows and arrows and blowguns in addition to spears bows and arrows and blowguns in addition to spears and atlatls. and atlatls.

Native Americans Native Americans of this period began of this period began to construct to construct permanent homes. permanent homes.

Native American Native American “towns” first began “towns” first began to appear. to appear.

Earthen mounds Earthen mounds were first raised were first raised over graves. over graves.

Late in this period “Late in this period “Three SistersThree Sisters” farming ” farming was introduced. was introduced.

The “The “threethree sisterssisters” are corn (maize), beans, ” are corn (maize), beans, and squash.and squash.

-these crops became the staple crops for -these crops became the staple crops for

Native Americans throughout the Southeast Native Americans throughout the Southeast

and for other farming societies in the and for other farming societies in the

Southwest and Northeast. Southwest and Northeast.

-Native Americans also raised peppers, -Native Americans also raised peppers,

melons, amaranth, grapes, hemp, etc.melons, amaranth, grapes, hemp, etc.

The Mississippian PeriodThe Mississippian Period

The “Mound Builders”The “Mound Builders”

Appeared 700 to 900 A.D.Appeared 700 to 900 A.D. Peaked around 1300 A.D.Peaked around 1300 A.D. Named for the Mississippi River as Native Americans Named for the Mississippi River as Native Americans

of this period often located their towns near rivers- of this period often located their towns near rivers- the Mississippi, Tennessee, Cumberland, and the Mississippi, Tennessee, Cumberland, and Warrior, and many others. Warrior, and many others.

The Native Americans of this period are known for The Native Americans of this period are known for the huge earthen mounds which they build as the huge earthen mounds which they build as foundations for temples, homes for leaders, religious foundations for temples, homes for leaders, religious ceremony, burials, etc. ceremony, burials, etc.

There are many examples of these mounds There are many examples of these mounds throughout the Southeast including many in Alabama. throughout the Southeast including many in Alabama.

Etowah Mounds- near Calhoun, GeorgiaEtowah Mounds- near Calhoun, Georgia

Mounds at Mounds at Moundville, Moundville, AlabamaAlabama

At its height, the town At its height, the town at Moundville was at Moundville was home to over 3,000 home to over 3,000 people- making it the people- making it the second largest Indian second largest Indian town north of present- town north of present- day Mexico.day Mexico.

Artifacts from MoundvilleArtifacts from Moundville

The Indians of AlabamaThe Indians of Alabama

The “Big Four”The “Big Four”

The “Civilized Tribes” of AlabamaThe “Civilized Tribes” of Alabama

The ChoctawThe Choctaw Major tribe of Mississippi- region though Major tribe of Mississippi- region though

extends into west-central Alabama north of extends into west-central Alabama north of Mobile.Mobile.

The word “Alabama” come from the Choctaw- The word “Alabama” come from the Choctaw- it means “clearers of the ticket.” it means “clearers of the ticket.”

The Choctaw have historically been called the The Choctaw have historically been called the “Longhairs” or the “Flatheads” (infants were “Longhairs” or the “Flatheads” (infants were often bound to a cradle board and a slanted often bound to a cradle board and a slanted plank was used to slope their foreheads as the plank was used to slope their foreheads as the developed.developed.

Early 19th century and contemporary Choctaw Early 19th century and contemporary Choctaw storytellers describe that the Choctaw people emerged storytellers describe that the Choctaw people emerged from either from either Nanih WaiyaNanih Waiya or a cave nearby. A or a cave nearby. A companion story describes their migration journey companion story describes their migration journey from the west, beyond the Mississippi River, when from the west, beyond the Mississippi River, when they were directed by their leader's use of a sacred they were directed by their leader's use of a sacred pole.pole.

““The Choctaws, a great many winters ago, The Choctaws, a great many winters ago, commenced moving from the country where they commenced moving from the country where they then lived, which was a great distance to the west of then lived, which was a great distance to the west of the great river and the mountains of snow, and they the great river and the mountains of snow, and they were a great many years on their way. A great were a great many years on their way. A great medicine man led them the whole way, by going medicine man led them the whole way, by going before with a red pole, which he stuck in the ground before with a red pole, which he stuck in the ground every night where they encamped. This pole was every night where they encamped. This pole was every morning found leaning to the east, and he told every morning found leaning to the east, and he told them that they must continue to travel to the east until them that they must continue to travel to the east until the pole would stand upright in their encampment, the pole would stand upright in their encampment, and that there the Great Spirit had directed that they and that there the Great Spirit had directed that they should live.”should live.”

~ George Caitlin ~ George Caitlin

Choctaw CoatChoctaw Coat

The ChickasawsThe Chickasaws

Occupied an area of what is today Northwest Occupied an area of what is today Northwest Alabama.Alabama.

The Chickasaw were a very aggressive people The Chickasaw were a very aggressive people and often prone to warand often prone to war

Often painted their bodies black and red in Often painted their bodies black and red in preparation for war,preparation for war,

They were known for their woefully eerie war They were known for their woefully eerie war cry that some historians think was the origin of cry that some historians think was the origin of the “Rebel Yell.” the “Rebel Yell.”

The CreeksThe Creeks

The true name of the Creeks is “The true name of the Creeks is “MuskogeeMuskogee”- ”- they were named “Creeks” by English settlers they were named “Creeks” by English settlers because of the location of their towns near because of the location of their towns near creeks.creeks.

The Creeks are the largest and most significant The Creeks are the largest and most significant of the Indian groups in Alabama- ½ of all of the Indian groups in Alabama- ½ of all Indians living in Alabama were of the Creek Indians living in Alabama were of the Creek Nation.Nation.

The Creek Nation was divided into the:The Creek Nation was divided into the:

A. Upper CreeksA. Upper Creeks

B. Lower CreeksB. Lower Creeks■ The Creek towns were also divided into peace The Creek towns were also divided into peace

(white) and war (red) towns with separate (white) and war (red) towns with separate chiefs for each. chiefs for each.

■ The Creeks lived in one of twenty different The Creeks lived in one of twenty different clans clans which included the Bear, Beaver, which included the Bear, Beaver, Hickory Nut, Salt, Toad, and Wild-cat clans. Hickory Nut, Salt, Toad, and Wild-cat clans.

The CherokeeThe Cherokee

The “Principal People”The “Principal People” The name means “people of the cave country.”The name means “people of the cave country.” The Cherokee are of the Iroquoian language The Cherokee are of the Iroquoian language

group.group. It is believed that the Cherokee migrated from It is believed that the Cherokee migrated from

the Great Lakes region or Pennsylvania before the Great Lakes region or Pennsylvania before settling in the mountains of the Southeast. settling in the mountains of the Southeast.

The Cherokee are The Cherokee are organized into seven organized into seven different “clans”different “clans”

Cherokee TownsCherokee Towns

"Five Lower Towns" – on or near the "Five Lower Towns" – on or near the Tennessee RiverTennessee River

1. Running Water (now Whiteside)1. Running Water (now Whiteside)

2. Nickajack (near the cave of the same name) 2. Nickajack (near the cave of the same name)

3. Long Island (on the Tennessee River)3. Long Island (on the Tennessee River)

4. Crow Town (at the mouth of Crow Creek) 5. 4. Crow Town (at the mouth of Crow Creek) 5. Lookout Mountain Town (now Trenton, Lookout Mountain Town (now Trenton,

GA)GA)

Later major settlements of the Lower Later major settlements of the Lower Cherokee included:Cherokee included:

1. Willstown (Fort Payne) 1. Willstown (Fort Payne)

2. Turkey Town (Centre)2. Turkey Town (Centre)

3. Sauta (Jackson/Marshall County)3. Sauta (Jackson/Marshall County)

4. Creek Path (Guntersville4. Creek Path (Guntersville))

5. Turnip Town (Rome)5. Turnip Town (Rome)

6. Chatuga (Rome)6. Chatuga (Rome)

Native American CultureNative American Culture

- Gender Roles- Gender RolesA. WomenA. Women

-grew crops-grew crops

-child-rearing-child-rearing

-clothing-clothing

- pots and baskets - pots and baskets

B. MenB. Men

-hunted-hunted

-constructed dwellings-constructed dwellings

-conducted politics-conducted politics

-religion -religion

-made war-made war

Native American culture was Native American culture was matrilinealmatrilineal- - meaning that a woman’s relative (usually her meaning that a woman’s relative (usually her brother) took responsibility for teaching her brother) took responsibility for teaching her sons the ways of hunting and manhood. sons the ways of hunting and manhood.

Marriage was often arranged but never forced.Marriage was often arranged but never forced.

- it was “illegal” to marry a member of one’s - it was “illegal” to marry a member of one’s

own clan or lineage. own clan or lineage.

Polygamy was often practiced – but only with Polygamy was often practiced – but only with the first wife’s consent- otherwise it was the first wife’s consent- otherwise it was considered adultery.considered adultery.

DivorceDivorce

-was quite simple- a man simply moved back -was quite simple- a man simply moved back

to his mother’s house.to his mother’s house.

- this was always done at the time of the Green - this was always done at the time of the Green

Corn Ceremony.Corn Ceremony.

Religion/ BeliefsReligion/ BeliefsA. A. The Upper WorldThe Upper World

-a perfect world- a “utopia”-a perfect world- a “utopia”

-order and hope-order and hope

-birds were symbols of the Upper World-birds were symbols of the Upper World

B. B. This WorldThis World

-This World was a balance between perfection and -This World was a balance between perfection and chaos.chaos.

-good was rewarded and evil punished-good was rewarded and evil punished

-four- footed animals were symbols of This World -four- footed animals were symbols of This World

C. C. The Under WorldThe Under World

-chaos and disorder-chaos and disorder

-madness and change-madness and change

-vermin and snakes were symbols of the -vermin and snakes were symbols of the

Under World Under World

*Indians were very superstitious believing in *Indians were very superstitious believing in witches, ghosts, spirits, monsters, and ‘little witches, ghosts, spirits, monsters, and ‘little people.” people.”

The principle Gods were the Sun God, Moon The principle Gods were the Sun God, Moon God, Thunder God, and Corn God- all God, Thunder God, and Corn God- all inhabited the Upper World. inhabited the Upper World.

The most important religious event of the year The most important religious event of the year was the was the Green Corn CeremonyGreen Corn Ceremony. .

-the event lasted several days-the event lasted several days

-it took place anywhere from the end of July -it took place anywhere from the end of July

to early September depending on the growth to early September depending on the growth

of the corn. of the corn.

The ceremony marked the Indian “New Year.” The ceremony marked the Indian “New Year.”

-It was a time of thanksgiving and feasting (following -It was a time of thanksgiving and feasting (following a fast).a fast).

-The “old fire” was extinguished and a new -The “old fire” was extinguished and a new

fire started.fire started.

-all transgressions (except murder) were -all transgressions (except murder) were

forgiven.forgiven.

- a sacred “stomp dance’ was performed. - a sacred “stomp dance’ was performed.

-special copper plates were used in the -special copper plates were used in the

ceremony. ceremony.

-the participants covered themselves with a -the participants covered themselves with a

white clay and then would wash in the nearest stream. white clay and then would wash in the nearest stream.

The Cherokee The Cherokee “Booger Dance”“Booger Dance”

-late fall or winter-late fall or winter

-masks made to -masks made to represent enemies represent enemies

WarWar

Revenge was the usual reason for war.Revenge was the usual reason for war. War parties typically consisted of 20 to 30 War parties typically consisted of 20 to 30

warriors.warriors. Fighting took place only in late spring, Fighting took place only in late spring,

summer, and early fall. summer, and early fall. A decision to got o war was decided by a A decision to got o war was decided by a

council of elders. council of elders. War clubs were the weapon of choice- also War clubs were the weapon of choice- also

bow and arrows- eventually guns. bow and arrows- eventually guns.

When enemies were killed, they were scalpedWhen enemies were killed, they were scalped

-the scalps were then tied to a hoop which was -the scalps were then tied to a hoop which was

painted red- the scalp hoops were the tied to painted red- the scalp hoops were the tied to

a long pole to be preserved. a long pole to be preserved.

Captives were taken as slaves- sometimes adopted Captives were taken as slaves- sometimes adopted into the victorious tribe -and on rare occasions, into the victorious tribe -and on rare occasions, burned at stake.burned at stake.

To end a war a peace delegation was sent with beads, To end a war a peace delegation was sent with beads, tobacco, pipes, and white feathers. tobacco, pipes, and white feathers.

Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Native Americans of the Southeast wore Native Americans of the Southeast wore

elaborate tattoos and neckpieces called elaborate tattoos and neckpieces called gorgetsgorgets. .

Art was important to the IndiansArt was important to the Indians

- favorite designs included the thunderbird, - favorite designs included the thunderbird,

rattlesnake, winged sun, Greek cross, and the rattlesnake, winged sun, Greek cross, and the

swastika. swastika.

Gorget- Gorget- found in found in Sumner Sumner County, County, TNTN

Sequoyah Sequoyah

The Trail of TearsThe Trail of Tears

““The Trail Where They Cried”The Trail Where They Cried”

The Indian Removal Act of 1830The Indian Removal Act of 1830

-passed by Congress at the request of President -passed by Congress at the request of President Andrew Jackson.Andrew Jackson.

-the act provided for the “voluntary” removal -the act provided for the “voluntary” removal of the “of the “Five Civilized TribesFive Civilized Tribes” to areas west of ” to areas west of the Mississippi (present- day Oklahoma). the Mississippi (present- day Oklahoma).

-eventually the five tribes will sign away their -eventually the five tribes will sign away their lands in treaties with the United States which lands in treaties with the United States which will lead to their removal. will lead to their removal.

TreatiesTreaties Choctaw- Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek Choctaw- Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek

(1830)(1830) Creek- A. Treaty of Indian Springs (1825)Creek- A. Treaty of Indian Springs (1825)

B. Treaty of Cusseta (1832) B. Treaty of Cusseta (1832) Chickasaw- Treaty of Pontotoc Creek (1832)Chickasaw- Treaty of Pontotoc Creek (1832) Cherokee- Treaty of New Echota (1835)Cherokee- Treaty of New Echota (1835)

““In the whole scene there was an air of ruin and In the whole scene there was an air of ruin and destruction, something which betrayed a final and destruction, something which betrayed a final and irrevocable adieu; one couldn't watch without feeling irrevocable adieu; one couldn't watch without feeling one's heart wrung. The Indians were tranquil, but one's heart wrung. The Indians were tranquil, but sombre and taciturn. There was one who could speak sombre and taciturn. There was one who could speak English and of whom I asked why the Chactas were English and of whom I asked why the Chactas were leaving their country. "To be free," he answered, leaving their country. "To be free," he answered, could never get any other reason out of him. We ... could never get any other reason out of him. We ... watch the expulsion ... of one of the most celebrated watch the expulsion ... of one of the most celebrated and ancient American peoples.and ancient American peoples.””

~Alexis de Tocqueville, ~Alexis de Tocqueville,

Democracy in AmericaDemocracy in America

Cherokee RemovalCherokee Removal By the 1820s, the Cherokee were an acculturated By the 1820s, the Cherokee were an acculturated

people- they had taken on the culture and customs of people- they had taken on the culture and customs of white settlers- this was a policy begun by President white settlers- this was a policy begun by President George Washington and his Secretary of War, Henry George Washington and his Secretary of War, Henry Knox during the late 1700s. Knox during the late 1700s.

Many Cherokee had intermarried with white settlers Many Cherokee had intermarried with white settlers and had English names. and had English names.

Two court cases concerning the Cherokee had Two court cases concerning the Cherokee had preceded the Removal Act-preceded the Removal Act-

A. Cherokee Nation vs. Georgia (1831)A. Cherokee Nation vs. Georgia (1831)

B. Worchester vs. Georgia (1832) B. Worchester vs. Georgia (1832)

In December, 1835 the In December, 1835 the Treaty PartyTreaty Party, a group , a group of the wealthier Cherokee signed the of the wealthier Cherokee signed the Treaty of Treaty of New EchotaNew Echota which ceded the Cherokee lands which ceded the Cherokee lands in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and North in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina to the U.S. Government in exchange Carolina to the U.S. Government in exchange for $5 millionfor $5 million and land in the west. and land in the west.

The Treaty was ratified by the United States The Treaty was ratified by the United States Senate by a single vote (31 yeas- 15 nays – Senate by a single vote (31 yeas- 15 nays – ratification of treaties require a 2/3 vote of the ratification of treaties require a 2/3 vote of the U.S. Senate).U.S. Senate).

Major Ridge-John Ridge-Elias Major Ridge-John Ridge-Elias Boudinot (Buck Watie)Boudinot (Buck Watie)

John RossJohn Ross

The majority of the The majority of the Cherokee (over 15,000) Cherokee (over 15,000) opposed the Treaty of opposed the Treaty of New Echota.New Echota.

They represented the They represented the ““National PartyNational Party” led by ” led by the principal Chief of the principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation- the Cherokee Nation- John RossJohn Ross. .

In May, 1838 the U.S. Army under the command of In May, 1838 the U.S. Army under the command of General Winfield ScottGeneral Winfield Scott began the round-up and began the round-up and forced removal of the Cherokee people. forced removal of the Cherokee people.

The Cherokee people were held in thirteen crude The Cherokee people were held in thirteen crude stockades throughout the Cherokee Nation build stockades throughout the Cherokee Nation build specifically as pens for Cherokee. specifically as pens for Cherokee.

-Fort Payne-Fort Payne

(build under the command of Major John Payne)(build under the command of Major John Payne)

-Brainerd Mission -Brainerd Mission

-Red Clay-Red Clay

-Etc. -Etc.

Three groups of Cherokee left Chattanooga Three groups of Cherokee left Chattanooga (the water route) during the summer of 1838 (the water route) during the summer of 1838 but soon suffered hardships.but soon suffered hardships.

John Ross arranged for the remaining 12,000 John Ross arranged for the remaining 12,000 Cherokee to voluntarily remove themselves Cherokee to voluntarily remove themselves during the fall.during the fall.

They divided themselves into groups of They divided themselves into groups of roughly 1,000 people each and began the 800- roughly 1,000 people each and began the 800- mile march westward along various routes.mile march westward along various routes.

As many as 4,000 people died along the way. As many as 4,000 people died along the way.

The Blood LawThe Blood LawJune 22, 1839June 22, 1839

http://nmai.si.edu/http://nmai.si.edu/ http://www.echotacherokeewolfclan.com/http://www.echotacherokeewolfclan.com/

id1.htmlid1.html http://echotacherokeetribe.homestead.com/http://echotacherokeetribe.homestead.com/

index.htmlindex.html http://aiac.state.al.us/http://aiac.state.al.us/

tribes_EchotaCherokee.aspxtribes_EchotaCherokee.aspx http://www.sequoyahmuseum.org/http://www.sequoyahmuseum.org/

index.cfm/m/6index.cfm/m/6 http://moundville.ua.edu/http://moundville.ua.edu/

The Creek Wars The Creek Wars

TecumsehTecumseh

The Colbert Family and The Colbert Family and Pushmataha Pushmataha

Benjamin HawkinsBenjamin Hawkins

William McIntoshWilliam McIntosh

Massacre at Fort MimsMassacre at Fort Mims

MenawaMenawa

William Weatherford (Red Eagle)William Weatherford (Red Eagle)

Battle of Horseshoe BendBattle of Horseshoe Bend