In this extensive treatise reprinted from 1909, renowned anthropologist Dr. John R. Swanton furnishes a complete history for each tribe and linguistic facts from thoroughly researched material of the time. Over 25 indigenous tribes are documented from multiple first Explorer contacts to late 19th century studies & personal interviews. Sections in this 400 page work include The Natchez group, many Muskhogean tribes, Tunicans, Chitimacha, Atakapa, and The Opelousan tribes. This remarkable study of the original peoples includes many photos of individuals, their dwellings, basketry crafts, and an index of 2,700 entries with many early family names.

“The tribes treated in this bulletin, which at the present time are almost extinct, formerly occupied the banks of the Mississippi river from about the neighborhood of the northern boundary of the present State of Louisiana to the Gulf of Mexico and the shores of the gulf for some distance east & west.”

... The name of the Atakapa tribe is from Choctaw, signifying “man-eater,” and indicates the unsavory reputation which the tribe had acquired among the Mississippi people. Many of the early maps designate southwestern Louisiana and the entire Texas coast as a country occupied by “wandering cannibal tribes.”

“... above New Orleans in 1722 we arrived at a great village. It is the finest village of Louisiana. They reckon it with 200 warriors who have the character of being very brave. As soon as we arrived in sight they beat a drum...”

Page Count: 477

Size: 6"x9" Hardcover

Color and Black and White Photos

Published 1909, Reprinted 2024

ISBN: 978-1-68593-148-3