Casqui facts for kids
The Casqui were a group of Native American people. They lived in eastern Arkansas long ago. In 1541, a Spanish explorer named Hernando de Soto visited their lands.
The Casqui people lived in villages that were protected by strong wooden fences called palisades. Their main village was in what is now Cross County, Arkansas, near the town of Parkin. Today, this area is known as the Parkin Archeological State Park. Archeologists believe people lived there for at least 500 years!
The Casqui group was named after their leader, Chief Casqui. We know about Chief Casqui and his people from the journals kept by de Soto's expedition members.
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De Soto's Visit to the Casqui
When Hernando de Soto and his team arrived, the Casqui people walked a long way to meet them. They invited the travelers to stay in their village. However, de Soto's group decided to set up camp outside the village instead.
The journals from the expedition say that de Soto gave a speech to the Casqui about his religion. He even baptized some of the villagers as Christians. The Casqui people helped de Soto's group put up a large wooden cross on their main mound. This mound was like a tall, flat-topped hill in the center of their village.
Casqui and Pacaha Conflict
De Soto decided to travel on and visit another nearby group called the Pacaha. Many Casqui people went with him. The Casqui and Pacaha had been enemies for a long time. The Casqui had even attacked the Pacaha before.
When de Soto and the Casqui approached the Pacaha village, many Pacaha people got scared. They tried to escape to an island in the river, but some drowned. The Casqui who were with de Soto then attacked the Pacaha village. They took many things and damaged important religious places.
De Soto later spoke with Chief Pacaha. He told him that his expedition had nothing to do with the attack. De Soto promised that his group wanted peace. He even said they would help the Pacaha get back at the Casqui.
However, the Casqui found out about this plan. They quickly returned the stolen items to the Pacaha. They also said sorry to avoid being punished. De Soto then arranged a special dinner for the two chiefs. At this dinner, he helped them make a peace agreement.
What Happened Next?
The journals from Hernando de Soto's expedition are the only historical records we have of Chief Casqui and his people. We don't know much about what happened to them after de Soto left.
Discoveries at the Parkin Site
In recent years, some interesting items have been found at the Parkin site. These discoveries help us learn more about the Casqui and de Soto's visit.
One find is a Spanish trade bead. It looks just like the seven-layer glass beads that de Soto's expedition carried. Two Spanish falconer's bells have also been found. These bells were used by people who trained birds of prey. Spanish musket balls have also been discovered. These are small, round bullets used in old guns.
These items show that the Casqui people likely traded with or met de Soto's group. They give us clues about this important time in history.
