The Chickasaw were the original inhabitants of a large portion of the American Southeast. Their traditional homeland was centered in what is now northern Mississippi, but it also included parts of present-day Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

Society and culture

The Chickasaw built their houses with a pole frame, which they covered with grass, bark, or hides. In time of peace the dwellings were spread out along river banks and not clustered in compact villages.

Chickasaw women planted corn, beans, squash, melons, and sunflowers. To celebrate the ripening of the corn crop, they held the Green Corn Ceremony every summer. Chickasaw men hunted deer and bear and caught fish.

Local chiefs dealt with day-to-day issues and disputes. But matters affecting the entire tribe were handled by a principal chief. This leader was chosen by a council of elder men.

History

The Chickasaw had separated from their relatives the Choctaw before Europeans arrived in the area. In the 1540s they proved their ability as warriors by driving the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto from their territory. The tribe was more welcoming to English traders who arrived in the 18th century. The Chickasaw often sided with the English in their battles with French traders and settlers. They also took in members of the Natchez after that tribe was broken up by the French.

In 1786 the Choctaw signed their first treaty with the United States. Their warriors helped U.S. troops defeat the Creek Indians in the Creek War of 1813–14. Because they adopted certain European customs, the Chickasaw were considered to be one of the Five Civilized Tribes, along with the Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole.

The Chickasaw's relationship with the United States soon became strained as Americans began moving into their territory. The Chickasaw resisted, but were finally forced to move west in 1837. At first, they lived among the Choctaw, who had also lost their lands in the Southeast. In 1855, the Chickasaw established a separate nation. In 1907, the Chickasaw Nation became part of the state of Oklahoma.

There are now about 20,000 Chickasaw in the United States. About half still live in Oklahoma. Centered in the town of Ada, the Chickasaw tribal government has about 2,000 employees and runs several shops and other profitable businesses.