About the Chickasaw Indians

The Chickasaw Nation wa a semi-nomadic people who patrolled their own territory while raiding and claiming territories north of theirs. They were considered a mixed tribe and called "the breeds" by Europeans, as the Chickasaw absorbed remnants of conquered tribes. They are now considered the thirteenth largest nation of native peoples recognized by the United States.

History

In 1540, the Chickasaws had their first contact with Europeans when a Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto stayed in one of their towns. They had several disagreements with the explorer and attacked his group during a night raid causing it to move on. In the 1670s, they traded with the British in the Carolina colony. The Chickasaw Nation got its name from a Chickasaw leader; it means "rebel." They lived along the Mississippi river.
The Chickasaw nation sided with the British against the French and Choctaw in many battles and caused France to retreat after the Seven Years' War. In 1786, they signed the Treaty of Hopewell that claimed peace with the United States. They gave their support to the Confederate states during the American Civil War.

Significance

The Chickasaws played a great role in Britain's victory over France and Britain's ultimate control over North America. They were the most formidable warriors, allowing them to conquer the French.

Geography

The Chickasaw nation was originally from the southeastern United States and lived in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. The Chickasaw people moved from their territory in 1832 and relocated in Oklahoma, which was Indian Territory at the time. The Creek, Cherokee, Choctaw and Seminoles had already been located there. These nations were considered the "Five Civilized Tribes" because they sold their land to move to Oklahoma. Some native peoples of Choctaw heritage still live on reservations in the area, also known as tribal landholdings.

Size

There were as many as 15,000 Chickasaw people before their contact with De Soto, at which time they were exposed to disease, resulting in epidemics. In 1963, there were around 10,000 Chickasaw. They maintained their numbers for a while by absorbing remnants of other nations, but by 1715 there were only 3,500 total in the Chickasaw population. After the French departed, the numbers began to increase with 3,625 counted in 1817. In 1837, when they relocated again, there were 4,914 Chickasaws and 1,156 black slaves in the nation. The number remained consistent through the 1800s with 4,204 Chickasaws in 1910. There are now 35,000 people who are counted as Chickasaws.

Theories/Speculation

While their origin is unknown, the Chickasaw are believed to be closely related to the Choctaw and may have been a single tribe at some time. They may have Mexican origins. There are reports that the Chickasaw sold their land to the U.S. and voluntarily moved to the Oklahoma Reservation. There is a distinct possibility that they were forcibly removed.

Expert Insight

If you know or suspect that you are a descendant of the Chickasaw nation, you should visit the Chickasaw nation website to discover learn more about their history and to possibly register as a member. Famous people and important notables who are in the Chickasaw nation include Governor of the Chickasaw Nation since 1987, Bill Anoatubby; Tom Cole, Republican U.S. Congressman from Oklahoma; actress Molly Culver; wrestler Hulk Hogan; and composer and pianist Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate.

Resources

• The Chickasaw Nation