Early people from Arkansas were known as the Pale, Woodland, Mississippian and Archaic Indians. The Arkansas Indian tribes began the story of Arkansan with the artwork and objects the left behind. Tools made of animal bones and stones emerged on the riverbanks and farm fields. The intelligence, humor, and ingenuity of the early people were revealed in the beautiful clay vessels found intact for centuries as well as the odd pictures painted and discovered on the cave walls. As the successors of these native Indians begin to settle and build stable houses, evidence of their cultures was evident in magnificent monuments like the high mounds marking Arkansas.
The word Arkansas came is a Siouan-Indian word. It came from Acansa which was derived from the name of a Quapaw village in the southeastern part of Arkansas. Most people believed that Acansa signified “downstream people” but that belief is false. Quapaw, the tribe’s name, is “downstream people”. Acansa is most likely a Quapaw word which means “southern place”. The non-native neighbors often relate to the Quapaw to Acansa, Alkansea, or Alkansas Indians because of the town. However, the Quapaw tribe was not the only tribe in the region. Some of the earliest tribes in Arkansas were the Caddo Indians, Chickasaw Indians, Osage Indians, Quapaw Indians, and Tunica Indians. The Cherokee Indians came after the arrival of the Europeans.
The Arkansas Indian Tribes During the Invasion
As the European explorers continue crossing the Mississippi River, communal and diverse groups such as the Caddo, Osage and Quapaw live in the valleys, plains, and mountains of Arkansas. Modern descendants of Arkansas Indian tribes explain their cultures and tribal views.
The continuous expansion of United States forced the native tribes to move to the Indian Territory through the multi-route and beautiful Trail of Tears. The geography of southeast Arkansas shows the possible route of this transfer. The discussions of the affected tribes and the preservation groups who maintain the routes reveal the memory of this painful experience of the native Arkansas. This is to keep the memory alive so that it will not happen again.
The native Arkansas tried to survive during the clash between the Confederacy and the Union. India Militia was formed to attack in Civil War battles like Pea Ridge or Elkhorn Tavern. Not much has been written about this crusade but during military combats, the native Indians were always at the lead in volunteering for the U.S. military in spite of past aggression.
Myths concerning Native American Tribes are still present. Current stories about these people are filled with advertisements and entertainment but the Indian nations, park interpreters, civic organizations and academic scholars set straight the myths and reveal the true life of the native people who, at present times, are still part of Arkansas. Today, the Arkansan band of Western Cherokee is the only recognized Indian community and organization in the state.
