Exploring the Proximity of Native American Tribes to Colonists

Introduction

When discussing the native peoples of the United States, it is crucial to note that these tribes originated from diverse regions, often traveling through what today is known as the Bering Strait from Eastern Russia to the American continents over 12,000 years ago. The name 'America' derives from Amerigo Vespucci, an explorer who played a significant role in the early mapping of the Americas in the 15th century.

Defining Close Proximity

When considering which Native American tribes were closest to the colonists, it's essential to understand that 'closeness' is a subjective term that can be defined through various lenses, such as geographical, cultural, and historical proximity. This article focuses on the latter two perspectives, which often overlap.

Geographical Proximity

On the eastern coast of the United States, tribes like the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole, collectively known as the 'Five Civilized Tribes,' were geographically the closest to the early colonists. These tribes were situated near the main cultural and population centers of the colonial period, including major cities like Philadelphia and Boston. This proximity provided the tribes with ample opportunities to adopt and adapt to colonial practices.

Historical Proximity

Historically, the Five Civilized Tribes were among the most assimilated to colonial culture. Under President George Washington, there was a push for assimilation, encouraging Native Americans to adopt practices such as agriculture, dress, intermarriage, education, home styles, and language. The Cherokees, for instance, established a written constitution and had a functioning judicial system, reflecting their advanced integration into colonial society.

The Removal Act and Its Impact

Despite their close proximity and assimilated ways, the Five Civilized Tribes faced a significant setback with the passage of the Indian Removal Act in 1830 under President Andrew Jackson. This act aimed to forcibly relocate these tribes from their ancestral lands to Indian Territory, today known as Oklahoma. The ensuing journey, known as the 'Long Walk,' was a harrowing experience for the affected tribes, involving long and arduous journeys, often undertaken under difficult conditions that included sickness, cold, and sadness.

Modern Reflections

Today, the impact of the Indian Removal Act and the subsequent policies remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and challenges faced by Native Americans. The proximity of the Five Civilized Tribes to the colonists was both a blessing and a curse; while they were able to adapt and integrate, their cultural practices and land were eventually taken away through brutal measures.

Conclusion

The historical and cultural proximity of the Five Civilized Tribes to the colonists underscores the complex and often tumultuous relationship between Native Americans and early settlers. This relationship is a critical aspect of American colonial history and continues to influence the understanding of Native American culture and identity today.

References

For further reading on this topic, refer to the following resources:

Five Civilized Tribes - Wikipedia Cherokee Annoyance With Treasury George Washington on Native Americans and Proclamation of 1790