Keyauwee Indians facts for kids
North Carolina Indians Geography
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 500 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (North Carolina, South Carolina) | |
| Languages | |
| English, Siouan | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Catawba, Cheraw, Occaneechi, Tutelo, Saponi, Lumbee |
The Keyauwee Indians were a small Native American tribe from North Carolina. They lived in the area that is now Randolph County, North Carolina. Their main village was surrounded by strong wooden fences called palisades and had large cornfields. It was located about 30 miles northeast of the Yadkin River, close to what is now High Point, North Carolina.
Because their village was open to attacks, the Keyauwee often joined with other tribes for better safety. They teamed up with groups like the Tutelo, Saponi, Occaneechi, and Shakori tribes. They even tried to settle near the Albemarle Sound with some of these tribes. Later, the Keyauwee moved south, closer to the border of North and South Carolina. Here, they traded deerskins with traders from Charleston. They also joined their Native American neighbors in a big conflict called the Yamasee War. Over time, the Keyauwee tribe's name disappeared from history, and they became part of the larger Catawba tribe.
History of the Keyauwee Tribe
Meeting European Explorers
In 1701, an English explorer named John Lawson traveled over 1,000 miles through the land. During his journey, he found the Keyauwee tribe. This small group had about 500 people. Lawson discovered them near Caraway Creek, which is now known as the Caraway Mountains. This spot was about 14 miles south of High Point, North Carolina.
Lawson wrote a detailed description of his visit. He said the Keyauwee village had tall wooden walls and big cornfields. He also mentioned a large cave where about 100 people could have eaten together. All of this was surrounded by very high mountains. These natural features, while beautiful, made the Keyauwee village easy for enemies to attack.
Language and Tribal Connections
The Keyauwee tribe's language and name came from the Siouan language family. Many tribes in North Carolina, including the Keyauwee, often joined together. They did this to build stronger relationships through trade and alliances. They also merged to protect themselves from constant wars with other tribal nations.
The Keyauwee successfully merged with the Tutelo and Saponi tribes. However, even after merging, they still faced many attacks. Later, the Keyauwee moved to the Albemarle Sound region on the northeastern coast of North Carolina. Here, they tried to form new settlements with the Occaneechi and Shakori tribes.
Eventually, the Keyauwee moved even further south. They settled in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. There, they merged with the Cheraw tribe, and possibly the Eno and Shakori tribes as well. In this area, the Keyauwee traded deerskins with traders from Charleston. Maps from 1761 show Keyauwee settlements along the North Carolina and South Carolina border, near the Pee Dee River. After fighting alongside their Native American allies in the Yamassee War against the South Carolina colonists, it is believed that the Keyauwee tribe joined the Catawba tribe. The Keyauwee tribe merged with local tribes throughout their history. This happened because of how close they lived to each other and their shared Siouan language.
