Guest Author - Deborah Adams

The Catawba Indians also known as the "People Of The River" (yeh is-WAH h'reh) are located in South Carolina mostly in the area now known as York County by the Catawba River. Some of their well known talents include their distinctive pottery that is continued on today by descendants of those who settled the area.

The earliest recordings of the Catawba People were written in the mid-sixteenth century by Spanish explorers. They farmed, hunted and were well known warriors.

Unfortunately with the decline in population, government control and scattered people the language is no longer fluently spoken that I can find. However the tribe was eventually recognized and has grown again. Many of the traditions are being carried on such as pottery, dancing, story telling and singing.

This tribe survived after being down to 100's known to over 2100 today. What a wonderful legacy!


You can visit the Catawba Cultural Preservation Project online at http://www.ccppcrafts.com/

Chief Gilbert Blue
Vice Chief Buck George
Post Office Box 188
Catawba, SC 29704
Phone: 803-366-4792
Fax: 803-366-9150
Atlernate contact: Dewey Adams
803-985-3540