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• The Natchez were partially destroyed in a battle with the French, east of the Mississippi, and after their retreat up Red River, west of the Mississippi, they were finally conquered, their women and children reduced to slavery and distributed among the plantations, and the men themselves sent to serve as slaves in San Domingo.
• The Natchez were the most highly polished and civilized of any race of Indians. They had an established religion and a regular priesthood. The usual distinctions created by rank were understood and observed, in which particulars they differed from the Indians north of the Ohio and east of the Alleghenies. They we're seldom engaged in any but defensive wars and did not deem it glorious to destroy the human species. They were just generous and humane, and attentive to the wants of the needy, and it is probable they inhabited all the country from the Mississippi eastward to the Alleghenies and northward to the Ohio. (1)

• But the first actual indian occupants of this territory, of which history or tradition furnishes any account, were the Shawanees, or Shawanoes as they were earlier known.
• With respect to the origin of the Shawanees it is proper to observe that they and the Algonquins are the only tribes of Indians, having a tradition of an origin from beyond the seas-of a landing from a sea voyage. John Johnson, Esq., who was for many years prior to 1820 agent for the Shawanees, observes, in a letter dated July 7, 1819, that they migrated from west Florida and parts adjacent to Ohio and Indiana, where they were then located:
• "The people of this nation have a tradition that their ancestors crossed the sea. They are the only tribe with which I am acquainted who admit a foreign origin. Until lately they kept yearly sacrifices for their safe arrival in this country. From where they came or at what period they arrived in America they do not know. It is a prevalant opinion among them that white people had inhabited Florida who had the use of iron tools. Blackhoof, a celebrated Indian chief, informs me that he has even heard it spoken of by old people that stumps of trees covered with earth were frequently found which had been cut down with edged tools." (1)

Tsoyaha- "Children of the Sun, Yuchi- "Faraway People"

The many names by which the Yuchi were known. Westo, Tomahittan, to the Algonkin- Tahogalewi which became Hogologe and Hogoheegee, Chickamaugan- Sun People, also spelled Hughchee, Euchee, and Uge. They were proud, fearless, and aggressive. They inhabited the South East before the Chickamaugans and the Muskhogeans. There language was like no other Native tongue. They lived from the Barrens in Kentucky to the Hiawasee River to the Tennessee River on the West and on the East. They were known for their stellar knowledge. Many ancient medicine circles in the South East owe their origin to the Tsoyaha.

A very large town was on Ledford island on the Hiawasee River about 12 miles upstream from the confluence of the Tennessee River. This town was surrounded by a large stockade and had a public square with a large ceremonial building. Further upstream was were two more large towns, one on each side of the river, at the mouth of streams known as North and South Mouse streams. Chestowee, in 1714, was their capital and located on South Mouse stream. By 1714, white contact had brought many ills which led to their downfall. Alcohol, slave trading with Caribbean pirates for Cherokee, Creek and Choctaw captives, over indulgence in white trade goods were reasons for their expulsion from Chickamaugan lands.
Chestowee fell in 1714, at the hands of Chickamaugan Thunderbolt warriors. The final blow for the Tsoyaha came when a Chickamaugan was murdered by the Tsoyaha. A white trader, Alexander Long, who had been slightly scalped by the Tsoyaha, joined in the raid. The town was taken by surprise and overwhelmed by the ferocious attack. The survivors of the first Chickamaugan volley, the trader had supplied them with guns, fled to the council house. Fearing the wrath, of the Thunderbolt warriors the survivors then killed their families and committed suicide. When the warriors entered the council house not a person was living. Word quickly spread and the remaining Tsoyaha fled to the Creek talwa on the Chattahoochee River. (2)

Melungeons - Mestees

Virginia's Indigenous People

Monacan Nation

1) History of Tennessee, Illustrated, Nashville; The Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1887
2) History of Tennessee, Fomsbee, Corlew, Mitchell 1960

The Snake Doctor