-
Jan 4, 1540
First Contact with settlers
In 1566, the first contact was made with Europeans. Hernado De Soto from Spain. -
Iswa and Catawba
In 1650, the Catawba and the Iswa united. -
Allies
The British began to colonize the area that is now South Carolina in the 1670s. The Catawba allied themselves with the new settlers for protection against their traditional enemies – the Cherokee, Iroquois, and Shawnee. -
Wars
From 1689-1763, the Catawba fought with the British in the French and Indian Wars. -
Diseaes
During the 1700s, the Catawba absorbed many smaller tribes, which had been devasted by European diseases and war. -
Fought With British
In 1711, they fought with the British against the Tuscarora of North Carolina. -
Joining Tribes
Joined with other native tribes and fought against the colonists during the Yemassee War in 1715. -
South Carolina
In 1763, a 15-square-mile South Carolina reservation was established for the Catawba. -
Fought with the colonist
Fought with the colonists against the British and Cherokee in the Revolutionary War in 1776. -
South Carolina Economics
South Carolina, in 1840, promised the Catawba cash and a new reservation in exchange for the land they occupied. The land was sold but the state did not keep its promises. The Catawba moved briefly to North Carolina. Some joined the Cherokee. -
Land
The Catawba returned to South Carolina and purchased 600-plus acres from the state in 1850. -
Non Profit Organization
In 1973, the Catawba reorganized and formed a non-profit corporation. -
Sued South Carolina
The Catawba were awarded renewed federal recognition in 1993. At this time, they were paid $50 million NOT to reclaim 144,000 acres of their land in York County.
