Iowa Indian tribes go way back in history. Each of the Indian tribes of Iowa has their own distinct characteristics and history. Also, each of the Iowa tribes also had their own distinct language. According to history, there were many tribes who just passed through Iowa but have made a huge impact. During that time, Iowa was a very good avenue for hunting, or as a place to stay so stay clear from the war that has been going on in different settlements. It was said the Indian tribes in Iowa made contact with the expedition of Lewis and Clark since the Missouri River which served as the main route of the said expedition is in close proximity to the land of Iowa.

The Life of the Iowa Indian Tribes

According to many accounts, the land of Iowa was rich in many natural resources. With this, many of the Iowa Native Americans were highly dependent farming. At the same time, Native American Tribes in Iowa were said to be good in hunting and fishing. The language prevalent in Iowa was Muskogean.

During the earlier days, Iowa was a combination of drift plains, forests, rugged hills and valleys on the shore of the rivers. There was much evidence that says that Iowa Native American tribes have been living in longhouses, pit houses, tepees, and tule mat lodges. Many of the Iowa tribes came in close contact with the culture of the Europeans, making it difficult for them to really sustain their original culture.

Some of their ways that changed include their ideas, religions, weapons, and even their mode of transportation. Originally, the majority of the Iowa tribes were residing on the west side of the Mississippi. After some time, they traveled to the northwestern area, up to the territory of Minnesota.

There were many tribes that set foot in Iowa. Follows are some of the major Iowa Indian tribes:

Iowa Indian Tribes – Arikara Indians

The Arikara Indians composed the northern area of the Caddoan linguistic family. They separated from the southwest counterpart called the Skidi. It was said that the separation happened during their journey in the Missouri Valley. While the Skidi headed to the Loup River, Nebraska, the Iowa native went straight to the northeast side of the plane.

The stables of the Iowa Indian tribe included corn, beans, and pumpkins.  The Iowa Indian Tribe came in contact with the French colonists in the year 1770, although the first meeting was only for the purpose of trading fur. After that, around 35 years later, the Arikara Indians then came into contact with one of the famous expedition of Lewis and Clark. In around 1823, the tribe was also made known because of their attack towards the boats of the American traders, making them an official enemy of the state.

Iowa Indian Tribes – Kickapoo Indians

The Kickapoo Indians originated from the Algonquian group.The other tribes they were close to included the Sauk and the Foxes.The tribe was said to first exist around the end of the 1600s. They were highly scattered within the boundaries of the Wisconsin rivers, as well as in the Upper Iowa River. During the start of their existence, many said that their clan was referred to as Mahou.

Throughout the history, they have signed many treaties with the white settlers.Some of them include the Treaty of Vincennes, Grouseland, and Fort Wayne. Unfortunately, with strong oppression, they ended up selling their lands o the United States.However, it did not mean that they went down without a strong fight. The tribe has been into many famous wars, with one of them being the Battle of Tippecanoe and War of 1812. One of its spiritual leader, Kennekuk, was the one who paved the way for them to reach Kansas.

Iowa Indian Tribes – Kansa Indians

The Kansa, or Kansas Indians, was from the Great Plains Native American cultural group. They were known for living in longhouses and tepees. Moreover, this Iowa Indian tribe was known for their skills in farming. Their common hunts included buffalo.Their major dialect was a branch of the Siouan language known as the Dhegihan. This made them somehow of the same speaking level to the Sioux that are located in the Stoney tribe.

They were also close to the tribe Quapaw. The tribe was also into crops, especially maize, beans, and squash. This tribe was the inspiration behind the naming of the place now called as Kansas. The Kansa tribe was also known for their fighting skills, which were evident during their hunting escapades.Their major weapons included the bows and arrows, stone ball clubs, axes, and even spears.

Aside from the three tribes that were highlighted above, there are still many Iowa Indian tribes worth mentioning, such as the Mascouten, Missouri, Omaha, Osage, and Otoe.

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