Caddo Indians in East Texas and elsewhere
In Wood County and other East Texas areas, the original human inhabitants are not known. However, in recorded historic times, the earliest known resident were the Caddo Indians.
The term Caddo refers to a group of tribes sharing a similar language and culture, so in most circumstances, they are referred to as the Caddo Indians.
Of all the Indians in Texas, the Caddo had the highest cultural development. They lived in settled communities. They hunted and fished, but they were also good farmers. In fact, their agricultural techniques were so well adapted to the area that the early European settlers learned techniques from the Caddo and which crops were the best to raise in this area.
Corn was the most widespread crop and the Caddo were able to achieve two harvests each year. They also grew beans, sunflowers, and assorted squash, including pumpkins. Additionally, they had orchards of peaches, plums, chestnuts and figs. Also, like many other tribes, they raised tobacco.
During the war of 1718 between the French and the Spanish, the Caddos were one of the primary lowers. The Caddos provided the bulk of the forces on both sides and they suffered many casualties. Another result of the war was that it exposed the Caddo tribes to European diseases and consequently, a decline in the population of the Caddo tribes.
Proof of the battles between the Spanish and the Indians was provided by a find of relics near Hainesville. These included a Spanish coin, parts of French muskets and metal tomahawks.
In 1835, the Caddos that lived in the old Louisiana Territory across the Sabine River ceded all their land to the Federal government and they agreed to move beyond the boundaries of the United States.
This space will feature more about the Caddos in the coming weeks.
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