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 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

Importance of Rivers Fishing Travel Food Drinking Cooking Bathing

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