Nadaco facts for kids
The Nadaco people, also known as the Anadarko, are a Native American tribe. They originally lived in eastern Texas. Their name, Nadá-kuh, means "bumblebee place."
A Look Back: The Nadaco Story
The Nadaco tribe was part of the Caddo Confederacy. This was a large group of Native American tribes. The Nadaco lived in what is now eastern Texas.
Spanish explorers first met the Nadaco in 1542. This was in eastern Texas. Around 1700, the Nadaco joined the Hasinai group. But they kept their own special ways and culture. In 1716, Spanish monks built a mission for them. It was called San José Mission. It also served the Nasoni tribe. By 1787, the Nadaco lived in villages. These villages were in the northern part of Panola County, Texas.
By 1836, Texas became independent. The Nadaco tribe had moved by then. They lived near the forks of the Trinity River. In the winter of 1838-39, Texans forced the Nadaco to leave their homes. They had to move to Indian Territory. This area is now part of Oklahoma.
The Nadaco did not like the difficult conditions in Indian Territory. So, in 1843, they returned to Texas. They settled along the Brazos River. After Texas became a state, the United States government signed a treaty with the Nadaco. This treaty was also with other nearby tribes. However, their lands were soon taken over by European-American settlers.
In 1859, the Nadaco were again forced to move. They went back to Indian Territory. They settled near the Wichita Agency. Their main leader, Lesh, was killed in 1862. Many tribal members then went to Kansas. They wanted to avoid the fighting of the American Civil War. Some Native American tribes in Indian Territory joined forces with the Confederacy. There were battles with Union troops. The Nadaco returned to the Territory in 1867.
In 1862, the Wichita-Caddo Reservation was created. The Nadaco joined the larger Caddo Nation there. In 1950, about 449 Nadaco people lived in Caddo County, Oklahoma.
Today, Nadaco people are part of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma. This is a federally recognized tribe. Their main office is in Binger, Oklahoma.
Other Names for the Nadaco
Besides Nadaco and Anadarko, the tribe is known by other names. These include Nadacoco, Nadan, Nadargoe, Nondacao, Nondaco, and Nadarko.
Places Named After the Tribe
The town of Anadarko, Oklahoma is named after the tribe. There is a story that when the town was founded, people suggested naming it after "a Nadarko." Another idea is that the extra "A" was just a mistake.
Anadarko Creek in Texas is also named for the tribe. It is an upper branch of the Angelina River.
