Catawba

The Catawba (people of the river) are a federally recognized tribe of Native Americans, known as the Catawba Indian Nation.

The Catawba (people of the river)  are a federally recognized tribe of Native Americans, known as the Catawba Indian Nation. They live in the Southeast United States, along the border of North Carolina near the city of Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Although recognized by South Carolina, the Catawba did not receive federal recognition until 1941. In 1959 they petitioned Congress to terminate their tribal status, and tribal landholdings were distributed among the membership during 1962. The final tribal role call of that year gave a population of a little over 600. After termination, many Catawba emigrated to the Choctaw in southeast Oklahoma. After a change of heart in 1973, the Catawba tribal council was reorganized and recognized by the state of South Carolina. 

During 1994, the Catawba regained federal recognition after a lengthy court battle.

View H.R.2399 - Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina land Claims Settlement Act of 1993.

About the Catawba Nation | Let's Go!

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The Catawba Indian Nation is the only federally recognized reservation in the state of South Carolina. The Catawba people have lived in the Piedmont region for over six thousand years, and today...
The Catawba Cultural Center | Let's Go!

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At the Catawba Cultural Center visitors can learn about many important aspects of the traditions of the Catawba people. The museum includes various displays on the tribe's important chiefs, the unique...
3D VR - Catawba Cultural Center | Let's Go!
3D VR - Catawba Cultural Center | Let's Go!

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The mission of the Catawba Cultural Center is to preserve, protect, promote and maintain the rich cultural heritage of the Catawba Indian Nation through efforts in archives, archeology, tribal...
Catawba Pottery | South Carolina Public Radio

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"C" is for Catawba Pottery. Among the Catawba Indians in present-day York County, an unbroken chain of pottery production has helped preserve a cultural identity that was nearly lost after European...
Andrew Pickens
Episode 5

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Attacks by the Cherokee still occurred in 1776, in backcountry S.C. It was during the Cherokee Campaigns where Andrew Pickens earned his reputation as an Indian fighter. The Catawba Indians allied...
Andrew Pickens
Episode 7

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After the Revolutionary War, Pickens becomes known as the premiere negotiator with Native American Indians. Pickens, who originally established a reputation as an Indian fighter, emerges as a peace...