Native American History

Although there are a number of different Native American tribes, Native American history dictates that there were five tribes that became known as the Five Civilized Tribes. These tribes included the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek and Seminole. Native American history shows that their advanced governmental, educational and judicial systems were among the top characteristics for their classification.

Prior to the defining moment in Native American history when the Native Americans were forced into Oklahoma, the Cherokee people lived in what is now known as eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Within the tribe, there were seven distinct clans. The Cherokee people are most known for their ability to create a syllabary, which allowed them to keep record of their Native American history through books and newspapers.

According to Native American history, the Chickasaw are renown for being brutal fighters and were constantly locked in battle with the others groups within the Five Tribes, as well as the Iroquois and the Shawnee. The Chickasaw were located in various areas, occupying a large part of Ohio, Mississippi, Tennessee and even Georgia.

The Choctaw are renown in Native American history for being the most peaceful of the five tribes. Cultivating a living through farming in the South, the Choctaw were very friendly and often held ball games and celebrations.

The Creek Nation, which included the Muscogee, Hitchiti, and Yamassee, was located in Georgia. Native American history records show that they were farmers, hunters and gatherers. In addition, many historians consider the Seminole, another of the Five Tribes, to be an offshoot of the Creeks.

Native American history for various tribes is largely dependent on the cultural area in which they lived. Those who lived in the Northeast varied from the Southeast, as did the Southwest, and Northwest. Additional differences could be found between tribes in the Great Basin, Great Plains, and Plateau areas. The most common piece of Native American history that each group shares was their ability to adapt, as well as thrive, in their environment without assistance from outside groups.