Cheraw
Cheraw, a matrilineal tribe belonging to the Siouan language group, originally inhabited the head of the Saluda River in South Carolina. They were known for their horticultural practices, cultivating crops such as maize, squash, and beans in permanent, palisaded riverside villages. The Cheraw society was stratified and maintained centralized authority, with men engaging in hunting and trapping to complement their agricultural diet. Historical records indicate that Hernando de Soto first documented the Cheraw in 1540, highlighting their presence even during early European exploration. However, by the late 16th century, the tribe faced significant challenges due to European diseases, leading to a drastic reduction in population. Continuous conflicts with the Iroquois and other groups prompted the Cheraw to relocate multiple times, ultimately seeking refuge with the Catawba between 1726 and 1736. Despite their decline, the descendants of the Cheraw persist today, primarily among the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, and the Sumter Tribe of Cheraw Indians gained recognition from South Carolina in 2013. This rich history reflects the resilience and enduring legacy of the Cheraw people.
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Cheraw
- CATEGORY: Tribe
- CULTURE AREA: Southeast
- LANGUAGE GROUP: Siouan
- PRIMARY LOCATION: Head of Saluda River, South Carolina
The matrilineal, horticultural Cheraw were socioeconomically stratified and had centralized authority. They lived in palisaded permanent riverside villages with fields of maize, squash, beans, and other cultivated food plants. Men hunted and trapped large and small animals throughout the year to supplement stored foods. Principles of usufruct, or granting rights to individuals and groups to use specific resources, were applied to acorn forests, deer-hunting areas, and berrying patches.
Hernando de Soto first mentioned the Cheraw in 1540, referring to them as Xuala. The late sixteenth century saw the devastating impact of European American diseases, reducing the Cheraw population. By 1700, they had moved from their original territory to the Dan River. In 1710, after continuous conflict with the Iroquois, they relocated southeast and joined the Keyauwee. This alliance with the Keyauwee raised concerns among North Carolina colonists, who declared war on the Cheraw. The Iroquois also continued their attacks, leading the Cheraw to seek protection from the Catawba between 1726 and 1736. By 1768, only a few Cheraw remained, their numbers reduced by smallpox and warfare. In the twenty-first century, descendants of the Cheraw remained in the area, mostly among the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. In 2013, the Sumter Tribe of Cheraw Indians received recognition from South Carolina as a recognized nation as well.
Bibliography
"History and Culture." Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, www.lumbeetribe.com/history-and-culture. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
"Special Collections & Archives: Lumbee History & Culture." University of North Carolina at Pembroke, 26 Sept. 2024, libguides.uncp.edu/specialcollections/lumbee. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
"Our Story." The Sumter Tribe of Cheraw Indians, www.sumtercherawindians.org/our-story. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.