Crow Topics – Access Genealogy

Use Of Tobacco Among North American Indians

Tobacco, an essential cultural and spiritual element, originated in the Americas and was integrated into the lives of Native North Americans long before European contact. It played vital roles in rituals, ceremonies, and daily life, with various tribes employing diverse species of Nicotiana. Smoking methods varied, with pipes and mixtures often used, while chewing practices are less clearly traced to Indigenous origins. The use of tobacco extended beyond personal use to encompass significant ceremonial functions, underscoring its deep-rooted significance in Indigenous cultures across the continent.

The Tribes West of the Mississippi – Indian Wars

Numerous Indian tribes were relocated west of the Mississippi through treaties, leading to significant declines in their populations. The Sioux, Blackfeet, Crows, and Pawnees remain dominant western tribes, often engaged in conflict. A notable battle occurred in June 1845 between the Crows and Blackfeet, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by settlers. While tribes like the Sacs and Foxes maintain their warlike heritage, others, such as the Choctaws and Cherokees, have embraced agriculture and peace, adapting to the changes brought by colonization.

General History of the Western Indian Tribes 1851-1870 – Indian Wars

From 1851, vast territories east of the Rockies were designated as Indian Territory, where numerous tribes roamed. The discovery of gold in California sparked emigration, leading to treaties that confined tribes like the Cheyennes and Arapahoes to specific areas while promising annual payments. Tensions escalated, culminating in the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864, followed by ongoing conflicts. By 1868, efforts to negotiate peace resulted in treaties relocating tribes to reservations, as Indian populations dwindled and government policies shifted to assert control and promote their civilization.

Indian Hostilities in California and New Mexico – Indian Wars

The condition of Indian tribes in California, particularly the Shoshonee, Blackfeet, and Crows, is dire, marked by hostility towards settlers, particularly in the Sierra Nevada region. Following the gold discovery, tensions erupted into violence as tribes attacked miners. This led to a declaration of war from settlers, resulting in numerous casualties among the Indians. In New Mexico, the Apache and Navajo tribes proved formidable, engaging in violent confrontations with U.S. troops, while the peaceful Pueblo and other tribes often fell victim to Apache raids.

Games of the Plains Tribes

Games among the Plains tribes served as both entertainment for children and gambling for adults, with unique customs emerging in different tribes. Notable games include a ring-throwing game popular among the Dakota, Omaha, and Pawnee, and a hoop game tied to buffalo calling rituals and the ghost dance among the Dakota. While some games are widespread, others retain regional variations. Overall, the Plains tribes’ cultural traits, particularly in material culture, show a distinct regional identity largely shaped by their environment, rather than linguistic or political affiliations.

Treaty of August 4, 1825

The Treaty of August 4, 1825, formalizes the relationship between the United States and the Crow tribe. It establishes mutual recognition of sovereignty, ensuring the Crow accept U.S. authority and agree to regulate trade exclusively with American citizens. The U.S. commits to protecting the Crow and providing assistance. The treaty also mandates legal processes for grievances and injuries, prohibiting private retaliation. Additionally, the Crow promise not to supply weapons to hostile tribes. The treaty aims to foster peace and cooperation between the parties involved.

Indians of the Great Western Prairies

The post reflects on the tribes of the Great Western Prairies, particularly the Crows and Blackfeet, who inhabit the regions around the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. The Blackfeet, once over thirty thousand, faced a devastating smallpox outbreak, reducing their numbers significantly. These tribes exhibit strength and resilience, living primarily off buffalo and horses. They maintain rich cultural practices, such as the significant medicine-bag tradition. The text also highlights their continual conflicts with neighboring tribes, along with notable tales of love and rivalry within their communities.

Montana Land Patents – Crow Tribe

A detailed list of Montana land patents for members of the Crow Tribe, showing patentee names, dates, document numbers, and accession numbers. The record includes both Native and non-Native patentees, with many entries repeated across dates, and serves as a historical reference for land ownership and federal patent records in early 20th-century Montana.

Agreement of May 14, 1880

On May 14, 1880, the chiefs of the Crow tribe consented to cede a portion of their Montana reservation to the United States, contingent upon the government surveying and allotting remaining lands to tribe members. Each head of a family could receive up to a quarter section of land, with provisions for grazing. The U.S. also agreed to allocate $30,000 annually for 25 years to aid the tribe in housing and farming. This agreement would later be replaced by a ratified one on June 12, 1880.

Treaty of May 7, 1868

On May 7, 1868, at Fort Laramie, the United States and representatives of the Crow Indians signed a treaty establishing enduring peace and outlining provisions for land use, agricultural support, education, and individual land rights for the tribes. The treaty commits the federal government to provide buildings, educational resources, and agricultural assistance while mandating the Indians to uphold peace and pursue farming. Crucially, it emphasizes cooperation between parties to resolve conflicts and ensures that land and resources are preserved for the Crow’s use alone.

Crow Reservation

The Crow Reservation, established by treaties between 1868 and 1886, encompasses over 1.7 million acres in Montana with a 1890 population of 2,287 Crows. Agricultural efforts have failed due to prolonged drought, necessitating irrigation for land productivity. The agency provides rations and has facilities for farming and education, though many students lack job opportunities. The Crows maintain traditional lifestyles and social structures, struggling against health issues and the influence of medicine men. The reservation features copper, gold, and silver deposits, with ongoing efforts to develop agricultural and industrial skills among the population.

Crow Indians

The Crow Indians, known as Absároke, are a Siouan-speaking tribe historically located along the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. They have various names in other languages, indicating their broad recognition. The Crow tribe claims separation from the Hidatsa and has maintained a consistent population in their historical region. By the early 19th century, they were estimated at around 3,500 individuals. The Crow tribe played a notable role in early Northwest history and their name is reflected in various geographical locations.

Treaty of September 17, 1851

On September 17, 1851, a treaty was established at Fort Laramie between U.S. commissioners and various Indian nations, including the Sioux, Cheyennes, and Crows. The treaty aimed to promote peace among the nations, recognize U.S. rights to establish infrastructure, and ensure protection for the tribes. In return, the tribes promised restitution for wrongs against Americans and designated their respective territories. The U.S. agreed to provide annual financial support for ten years, contingent upon adherence to treaty terms. This document laid the groundwork for future relations and territorial acknowledgment.

Houses of the Crow Tribe

Parfleche box "Crows, Montana Ter. J. I. Allen." Length 28 inches, width 13 1/2 inches. (U.S.N.M. 130574)

Before separating from the Hidatsa, the Crow Tribe may have lived in permanent earth-covered lodges. Afterward, they adapted to a nomadic lifestyle in the mountains, utilizing large, decorated skin tipis for shelter. Historical accounts from the early 1800s detail their hunting practices and communal living in these structures. Notable visitors like Francois Antoine Larocque and George Catlin provided descriptions of the Crow’s tipis and their craftsmanship. Despite population declines due to smallpox, the Crow maintained a rich cultural identity through their unique dwellings and social structures.

Crow Census Database

The Crow Census Database provides detailed records of Crow households from the census years 1885, 1900, 1910, and 1930. Users can explore the data by selecting a specific census year and range of household numbers or by searching for individual names. This resource serves as a valuable tool for those researching Crow Indian history and offers access to additional historical resources and records.

Crow Tribe

Crow Lodge of Twenty-five Buffalo Skins, 1832–33

The Crow Indians, or Absároke, are a Siouan tribe that separated from the Hidatsa around 1776, possibly due to a clash between chiefs. They migrated near the Rocky Mountains and engaged in constant warfare with neighboring tribes, notably the Siksika and Dakota. Their traditional lifestyle centered on hunting and they were known for their distinctive tipis and horse culture. By 1862, their population was approximately 460 lodges, later declining to 1,826 by 1904. The tribe remains recognized as Mountain Crows and River Crows without ethnic differences.

Crow Research

This post provides a variety of resources for conducting research on the Crow Nation, including links to AccessGenealogy offerings and other valuable offsite materials. It details the Crow’s historical background as a Siouan tribe, its split from the Hidatsa, and resources for tracing Indian ancestry, such as census and cemetery records. Additionally, it highlights notable figures and historical documents related to the Crow people, and promotes suggested readings for a deeper understanding of their culture and history.

Blackfeet Tribe in War

The Blackfeet were originally a peaceful tribe, engaging in limited conflicts until the introduction of horses transformed their way of life. With horses enhancing their capacity to acquire and transport goods, raiding neighboring tribes for horses became a predominant aspect of Blackfoot warfare. This led to about seventy-five years of systematic horse theft expeditions, alongside the occasional battles resulting in casualties. The emergence of horse culture fostered a mindset valuing property and bravery, particularly through the act of “counting coup,” which highlighted individual valor in combat.

Blackfoot Tribe, Past and Present

Fifty years ago, the Blackfoot Tribe, comprising the Piikuni, Blackfeet, and Bloods, commanded vast territories dominated by buffalo herds. Their history reflects a migration from the north, driven south by conflicts, until they thrived on the plains with abundant resources. However, the disappearance of buffalo and the encroachment of white settlers have severely diminished their numbers and way of life. Today, a few remain, navigating the shift from their traditional lifestyle to an uncertain agricultural existence, embodying the poignant intersection of their storied past and a challenging present.

Hidatsa

The Hidatsa Indians, formerly called Minitari or Gros Ventres of the Missouri, have a complex history marked by migration and social changes. Their name’s origin is debated, with associations to buffalo mythology. They migrated northward around 1765 and established three villages on Knife River by 1796. Encountered by Lewis and Clark in 1804, their population suffered greatly from smallpox, leading to consolidation into a single village. By 1890, their population was 522. The Hidatsa and the Crow, referred to differently by each other, displayed diverse cultural identities and shifts over time.