Sewee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sewee |
|
|---|---|
| Total population | |
| 800 (1600) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| On the lower course of the Santee River and the coast westward to the divide of Ashley River about present day Moncks Corner, South Carolina. | |
| Languages | |
| Siouan | |
| Religion | |
| Native American religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Catawba |
The Sewee people, also known as "Islanders," were a Native American tribe. They lived in what is now South Carolina in North America. They were known for their unique culture and their connection to the coastal lands.
Contents
Life and Trade with European Settlers
The Sewee people lived near the coast. In 1670, English settlers started a town called Charleston in the Carolina Colony. This town was built on land that belonged to the Sewee.
The English and the Sewee began to trade. The Sewee traded deer hides (animal skins) for goods made by the English. These goods included tools, cloth, and beads. This trade helped Charleston grow.
A Question of Fair Trade
However, the Sewee felt that the trade was not fair. They only received a small amount for their deer hides. The English buyers in England paid much more for the same hides. The Sewee thought they could get a better deal if they traded directly with England.
They noticed that English ships always arrived from the same spot on the horizon. The Sewee believed this spot was the direct path to England. They thought if they rowed to that point, they could reach England themselves. There, they hoped to set up their own, more profitable trade.
The Sewee's Bold Plan
The Sewee nation decided to build a fleet of canoes. Their goal was to sail across the ocean to England. They wanted to trade their goods directly.
John Lawson, an English land surveyor, saw them building their canoes. He wrote about their efforts: "It was agreed upon immediately to make an addition of their fleet by building more canoes, and those to be of the best sort and biggest size as fit for their intended discovery. Some Indians employed about making the canoes, others to hunting - everyone to the post he was most fit for, all endeavors towards an able fleet and cargo for Europe." – John Lawson.
The Journey Begins
Months later, the Sewee had finished their canoes. They filled the boats with valuable items like hides and furs. Almost all the strong Sewee men and women got into the canoes. They left behind only the children, the sick, and the elderly.
As the Sewee canoes went out into the open ocean, a big storm hit. The high waves were too much for their boats. Many canoes were lost in the rough seas.
After the Storm
A few survivors were picked up by a passing English ship. Sadly, these Sewee people were then taken far away to the West Indies. There, they were forced into difficult labor. This event greatly impacted the Sewee tribe.
Related Native American Nations
The Sewee people were connected to other Native American tribes in the region. These groups often shared similar languages or cultural ties. Some of these related nations include:
