The French In Alabama And Mississippi

History of Alabama and incidentally of Georgia and Mississippi, from the earliest period

Following nearly a century and a half of European absence after De Soto’s invasion, French explorers, including Father Marquette and La Salle, began to navigate and document the Mississippi River. Their efforts established ties to France’s colonial ambitions, leading to the founding of Louisiana in honor of Louis XIV. As Iberville and his brothers pursued further colonization in the early 18th century, they faced challenges such as famine, conflicts with Indigenous tribes, and political strife among settlers. Ultimately, these factors severely impacted the colony’s stability and growth in Alabama and Mississippi.

1910 Census of Fort Shaw Industrial Indian School

Girls at the Fort Shaw Indian School

Fort Shaw Industrial Indian Boarding School, established in Montana in 1891, ceased operations on June 30, 1910, due to decreasing enrollment. Known for its 1904 girls basketball team, which won a championship at the St. Louis World’s Fair, the school played a significant role in Indigenous education during its tenure. The 1910 census was compiled under the Department of the Interior to record enrolled students as part of Circular #448. Relevant records are preserved in the National Archives and the Family History Library.