Santee (South Carolina) facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 3,000 (1600) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| South Carolina, United States | |
| Languages | |
| Siouan language (Siouan) | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional tribal religion, Christianity | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Siouan, Cherokee, Creek |
The Santee tribe was a group of people who lived in South Carolina a long time ago. They spoke a language from the Siouan family. Around the year 1600, there were about 3,000 Santee people. Their main home was near where the town of Santee, South Carolina is today. They lived along the Santee River, which is now part of Lake Marion.
Contents
The Santee People: A Look at Their Past
Most tribes who spoke Siouan languages lived far away in the Great Plains states. These are states like North Dakota and Kansas. They had moved there before Europeans arrived in America.
However, some Siouan-speaking tribes also lived in areas that are now Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. The Santee people were connected to other tribes like the Cherokee and the Creek. These groups moved west as European settlers arrived and explored the land.
Ancient Mounds and Santee History
There is an ancient earthwork mound near Lake Marion. Experts believe the Mississippian culture built this mound between the years 1000 and 1500 AD. This was before the Santee tribe fully formed as a distinct group.
This mound was likely used as a burial place. It might have been for an important leader or a spiritual guide called a shaman. The Santee people historically spoke a language similar to Catawba.
The Santee Indian Mound is an important historical site. It is located near Summerton, South Carolina. This mound was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. This means it is recognized as a special place in American history.
Santee Today: Modern Groups
The Santee Indian Organization is a group of people who are descendants of the original Santee tribe. The state of South Carolina officially recognized them on January 27, 2006. In the year 2000, it was estimated that about 6,000 people identified as Santee.
Images for kids
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Native American mound next to Lake Marion (formerly Santee River), South Carolina is thought to be the easternmost expression of the Mississippian culture's moundbuilding.
