History of the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez Indians

The Five Civilized Tribes are among the best known Native American groups in American history, and they were even celebrated by contemporary Americans for their abilities to adapt to white culture. But tragically, they are also well known tribes due to the trials and tribulations they suffered by being forcibly moved west along the Trail of Tears.   Though not as well known as the Cherokee, one of the Five Civilized Tribes was the Choctaw. With roots that tie them to the Ancient Moundbuilders, the Choctaw, Chickasaw and Natchez were some of the most established groups in the Southeastern United States, and they were among the first natives encountered by Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto’s historic expedition in the mid-16th century.   History of the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez Indians is an expansive history of the tribes and includes a section on the Mound Builders.