Bayogoula
The Bayogoula were an Indigenous group known for their agricultural practices, primarily cultivating maize, beans, and squash, along with gathering nuts, berries, and roots. The men of the community engaged in hunting and fishing, using various technologies to support their subsistence lifestyle. Historically, the Bayogoula faced significant conflict with neighboring tribes, marked by violent encounters such as a surprise attack by the Houma tribe and a nearly exterminating conflict with the Mugulasha people. The Bayogoula were first encountered by European explorers in the late 17th century, and by the early 18th century, their population suffered greatly due to disease, particularly smallpox. Over time, the Bayogoula were relocated near New Orleans and eventually merged with the Houma tribe. Their experiences highlight the complexities of Indigenous life in the context of European exploration and the challenges posed by neighboring tribes. Today, understanding the Bayogoula's history contributes to a broader appreciation of Indigenous cultures and their resilience.
Bayogoula
Category: Tribe
Culture area: Southeast
Language group: Muskogean
Primary location: Alabama
The Bayogoula were largely dependent upon garden products, mainly maize, beans, squash, and different roots, berries, and nuts gathered by women. Men hunted, particularly for deer, and utilized various fishing technologies. The Bayogoula are known to have engaged in almost continual conflict with various neighboring tribes. In fact, oral history states that the Bayogoula nearly exterminated the Mugulasha people; later, the remaining Mugulasha deceived and massacred many of the Bayogoula.
The Bayogoula were probably first encountered by the explorer Pierre le Moyne d'Iberville in 1699. It is documented that the Houma inflicted considerable loss of life with a surprise attack upon the Bayogoula in 1700. The remaining Bayogoula were eventually removed to an area near New Orleans, but later they settled to the north between the Houma and Acolapissa tribes. There is debate as to the date, but probably by the early 1730’s, the Bayogoula were decimated by an epidemic of smallpox. The Bayogoula eventually merged with the Houma.