History of the Nation

Before the Europeans arrived in the New World the Chickasaw Nation resided in parts of what is now Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi. The tribe, originally a part of the Choctaw, was known for its formidable warriors. In 1540 the Chickasaw encountered Europeans for the first time when Hernando de Soto’s expedition reached Chickasaw territory. Eventually, the tribe was able to drive out de Soto’s expedition.

For the next hundred years or so the Chickasaw were able to avoid further encounters with any Europeans. However, once the British settled in Carolina in 1670 the Chickasaw Nation began to trade with the British. As their dependence on the European goods grew the tribe tried to expand their territory to obtain animal skins for trade. Consequently, they went to war with the Choctaw and neighboring tribes. In the 18th century the French became a major presence in the New World. While the Chickasaw sided with the British, the Choctaw allied with the French. This further fueled the Chickasaw’s rivalry with the Choctaw.

By the early 19th century the Chickasaw had become more sedentary and turned to farming. Between 1801 and 1832 the tribe signed many treaties, which ultimately diminished their holdings on their land. In 1837, with the passage of the Treaty of Doaksville, the Chickasaw were relocated to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. They were the last of the Five Civilized Tribes to move to Indian Territory. Once there they were forced to merge with their enemies, the Choctaw.

During the Civil War the tribe allied itself with the Confederacy. After the defeat of the Confederacy white settlers moved into Indian Territory. By 1906 the tribal governments of the Five Civilized Tribes were dissolved. In 1907 Oklahoma officially became a state. The Chickasaw Nation turned to farming and ranching and by the 1970s was completely assimilated into American society. In 1983 the Chickasaw constitution was adopted. Today the tribe resides in south-central Oklahoma.

By Anastasia Smith

Works Cited

"Our History." The Chickasaw Nation. The Chickasaw Nation, n.d. Web. 15 May 2010. .

Segar, Jennifer. "Chickasaw." Minnesota State University Mankato. Minnesota State University, Mankato, n.d. Web. 15 May 2010.

"The Chickasaw People." University of Tennessee at Martin. The Weakley County State Bicentennial Committee, 3 Apr. 1996. Web. 15 May 2010.