Native Americans

Native Americans

• 3 major Native American tribes lived in SC – Cherokee – lived in the northwestern part of SC – Catawba – lived in the hills of the Piedmont – Yemassee – lived at the coast of SC • Each tribe spoke different languages and had different ways of life

Cherokee

• • • • • Lived in the mountains Built towns along the rivers Towns had 30-60 homes Hunted bear, deer, and turkey for food Planted corn, beans, squash, and melons

Sequoyah

• A famous Cherokee leader • Invented a system for writing the Cherokee language • Language - Iroquoian

• • • • • • Fishing Travel Food Drinking Cooking Bathing Importance of Rivers

Cherokee Government • Council House was the center of government for a Cherokee village • Council was more powerful than the chief

Catawba

• Lived in the Piedmont • Settled near the Catawba River • Catawba means “river people” • Made pottery, bowls, baskets, and mats to trade • Language - Siouan

Catawba Homes

• Round or oval • Made of Young Trees • Covered with bark • Fireplace inside

Catawba Government • Council House for meetings • Had a chief who led the council

Yemassee

• • • Lived at the coast near the South Carolina and Georgia border We know they were there because of midden mounds – Midden mounds are ancient trash heaps Unlike Cherokee and Catawba, Yemassee ate shellfish

Yemassee Homes

• Round • Covered with Palmetto Fronds •

Yemassee Language

Muskhogean