Native Americans

by: Rick Brainard

Date: 03/18/04

When the first European explorers encountered the native inhabitants of America, they considered these people heathen savages. This misconception would lead to the various conflicts and difficulties between the Europeans and the natives.

From the 17th century onwards, the natives would begin to lose their traditional lands and territories to European settlers who immigrated deeper into the American frontier.

To better understand the history of America, you will also need to understand the history of the Native Americans. The best way to do so is by looking at the web sites that discuss their history. These sites discuss Native American culture, religion and their involvement the various American wars.

1. First Nations History
   Dick Shovel has created a great site that contains compact histories of the Native Tribes of the United States and Canada. It is very useful and informative.
2. Native Web
   The Native Web resource database contains information about all of the Native tribes of the New world including the Aztecs of Mexico. This particular page lists the tribes that links to resources about their culture and history.
3. Native Tech: Native American Technology and Art
   The Native Tech web site contains resources and information about the Native Americans art and technology. This is one of the best places to start learning about their cultural heritage.
4. Native American Navigator
   From the ITL web Project, the Native American Navigator is an interface for geographical, historical, topical and keyword-based student inquiry on topics related to Native American history and culture in the United States.
5. The National Museum of the American Indian
   The National Museum of the American Indian contains on line exhibits, research sources and more on the history of the Native American culture and history. This site is a part of the Smithsonian Institute.
6. The Illustrating Traveler
   Learn about the Native Americans as they were encountered during the travels and illustrations of the traveler-artist of the 18th century.
7. Nanticoke Tribe History
   This tribe lived and roamed the area now known as Maryland and Delaware. Learn about their history here.
8. Cherokee in North Georgia
   The North Georgia Web site discusses the history of the Cherokee Indian Nation in two parts.
9. The Creek Nation
   The Creek Nation was the major tribe of the Creek Confederacy. Take an introductory look at the history of this proud people.
10. The Stockbridge Mohicans
    This site by Dr. Robert Shubinski, contains many useful resources about the Stockbridge Mohicans, the Native Americans who side with the Americans during the American Revolution.
11. Statutes of the United States Concerning the Native Americans
    From the Avalon Project Web site you can take a look at the laws of the United States concerning the Native Americans.