Eno

Eno Indians

The Eno tribe, likely of Siouan linguistic stock, was historically situated along the Eno River in present-day Orange and Durham Counties, North Carolina. Their exact origins remain unclear, with some doubts raised about their classification due to unique characteristics. Closely associated with the Shakori tribe, the Eno shared a village named Adshusheer, located near modern-day Hillsboro. First mentioned in 1645, they were noted for resisting Spanish advances and later appeared in colonial records as part of a confederation with other tribes like the Saponi and Occaneechi. By 1714, they began migrating toward Virginia, eventually settling in South Carolina, where they likely merged with the Catawba. The tribe’s name endures in several geographic features, including the Eno River and Enoree River, reflecting their historical presence in the region.

Eno Tribe

The Eno Indians, a tribe associated with the Adshusheer and Shakori in 17th-century North Carolina, were likely of Siouan linguistic stock, although their distinct physical traits and habits led to some doubts regarding their classification. First mentioned in 1654, the Eno, along with the Shakori, lived near present-day Durham and Hillsboro, North Carolina, with their primary village, Adshusheer, located along the Eno River. By 1701, the Eno, Shakori, and Adshusheer had formed a confederation, with the Shakori emerging as the dominant group. Over time, the Eno, like other small tribes, faced pressure from European colonization and warfare, eventually migrating southward and becoming absorbed into larger groups like the Catawba or Saponi by the early 18th century. Their unique customs, including round homes made of interwoven branches plastered with mud, and their distinctive cultural practices set them apart from neighboring tribes. The Eno name endures in local geographic features like the Eno River in North Carolina and possibly the Enoree River in South Carolina.

The Eno, Shoccoree, and Adshusheer Indians

The Eno, Shoccoree, and Adshusheer tribes, often grouped together in historical references, were Indigenous groups whose origins and affiliations remain uncertain. Despite likely differences in language and culture, their alliances with Siouan-speaking tribes have led to their categorization as part of this group. Little is known about these tribes due to their disappearance as distinct entities by 1720, when they were absorbed by larger groups like the Catawba or Saponi. Early records describe them as small in stature but varied in character, with differing reports on their bravery and way of life. They occupied territories in what is now North Carolina, leaving traces in local place names like Eno River and Shocco Creek. Over time, these tribes integrated into other communities, with remnants surviving among the Catawba by the mid-18th century.