Native American Histories: The Choctaws

The Choctaw were one of the largest and most powerful Native American tribes in the southeastern United States. They farmed, hunted, and fished. In the 1500s, Choctaw life began to change dramatically when Europeans arrived in the region. Over the years, the Choctaw gave up more and more of their land. In 1830, most Choctaw moved to Indian Territory, which later became Oklahoma, while about five thousand stayed in Mississippi. From then on, the Choctaw would be a divided people. Modern-day Choctaw have separate governments, but all share deep pride in their heritage. Read more about the Choctaws past and their present-day lives.