Five Civilized Tribes

The term Five Civilized Tribes was used by the United States government in the early days of the country to talk about five big Native American groups in the Southeast. These were the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminoles. Some people called them “civilized” because they had started using parts of the culture that White Americans brought, like Christianity and written constitutions.

These tribes changed in many ways to fit in with the White settlers. They set up their own governments, learned to read and write, and even bought land and other property like White families did. For a while, things were peaceful, but White people kept moving onto the tribes’ land. This led to the tribes being forced to leave their homes, a sad journey known as the Trail of Tears.

Today, many of these tribes’ members live in Oklahoma, and they still meet together to talk and share ideas. Some people now think the name “Five Civilized Tribes” isn’t fair, because it was based on what White people thought was better. But the tribes are still strong and proud of their history.

Terminology

The term "civilized tribes" was used to set the Five Tribes apart from other Native American tribes who were called "wild" or "savage" by people who were not Native. This label came from writers and scholars who were not Native themselves.

During the time when George Washington was president, the United States tried to help Native Americans change their ways to match those of White settlers. The idea was that if Native Americans changed, they would need less land and might sell some to White settlers. They were expected to farm like White people, grow different crops, and change family roles. Some Native American groups took on parts of White culture to try to keep their land.

Today, many people find the term "Five Civilized Tribes" old-fashioned and not used much in serious writing. Some Native Americans feel this label is unfair and shows a biased view. Scholars also question what it means to be "civilized" and think the term can be judgmental.

History

The Five Civilized Tribes is a term used for five major indigenous tribes who lived in the Southeastern United States. They lived in an area that had been influenced by the Mississippian culture. Before new settlers arrived, these tribes had systems where family ties and property passed through the mother's side.

In the 1700s, leaders like George Washington wanted to help Native American tribes change their ways to match American culture. The Five Tribes began to take up some of these new ways, such as farming, building homes like nearby settlers, and learning to read and write.

During the 1800s, the US government forced these tribes to move west of the Mississippi River to what is now Oklahoma. This was very hard for the tribes, especially the Cherokee Nation, who lost many people on their journey.

After the Civil War, the US made the tribes free any enslaved people they owned. The tribes had to decide whether to let these freed people become full members of their tribes. Some tribes welcomed them, while others did not, leading to long debates about membership that continue today.

Tribes

Cherokee

Main articles: Cherokee and Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee are a group of Native American people from the Southeastern United States, mainly from areas like Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. They speak an Iroquoian language. In the 1800s, many Cherokee people moved to Oklahoma due to forced relocation by the U.S. government. Today, there are three recognized Cherokee tribes: the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina.

Chickasaw

Main articles: Chickasaw and Chickasaw Nation

The Chickasaw are Native American people who originally lived along the Tennessee River and in parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Mississippi. They moved to Oklahoma in the 1800s. The Chickasaw are related to the Choctaw and speak a Muskogean language. They built schools and businesses in their new home and were one of the "Five Civilized Tribes" recognized by the U.S. government.

Choctaw

Main articles: Choctaw and Choctaw Nation

The Choctaw are Native American people from the Southeastern United States, including areas like Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. In the 1800s, many were forced to move to Oklahoma, where they still live today. The Choctaw are part of the Muskogean language group and have two main tribes: the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

Muscogee

Main article: Muscogee

The Muscogee, also known as the Creek, originally lived in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. In the 1800s, they were forced to move to Oklahoma in what is known as the Trail of Tears. Today, Muscogee people live in Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. They are part of several federally recognized tribes.

Seminoles

Main article: Seminole

The Seminoles developed in Florida and are made up of Native Americans from Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama, as well as some African Americans who escaped slavery. In the 1800s, many Seminoles were forced to move to Oklahoma, but some stayed in the Everglades in Florida. The Seminoles never surrendered to the U.S. government and are known as the "Unconquered People". Today, Seminole tribes exist in both Oklahoma and Florida.

Works

The article references a work titled "Kill the Indian, Save the Man."