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CATAWBAINDIAN.NET
The Catawba have long understood the need to work together and adapt to our ever-changing circumstances. No one knew this better than King Hagler who led the tribe from 1754-1763. He adopted the title of King because the settlers coming into Catawba territory at the time were led by a king.
King Hagler (1754-1763) was a powerful ally to the English and was well respected among the Piedmont tribes. He led the Catawba people to side with the English in the French and Indian War. He also protected the local settlers against Cherokee invaders. He firmly believed in the treaties that were created to protect his people, and when traveling to negotiate the doc- uments, he took the principal Warriors with him. Even though King Hagler wanted to preserve the lands of the Catawba, he also understood that survival depended on working together.
That heritage has been passed on through many generations since King Hagler. We fought along the side of the Patriots when the settlers decided they wanted to be free from England, one of only three tribes to do so. George Washington’s journals mention the fierceness of the Catawba Warriors many times and how valuable they were to the effort.
When other tribes were being moved west on the Trail of Tears, the state of South Carolina decided not to spend the money because the nation’s citizenship was so low in numbers at the time that it was expected the Catawba would be extinct soon. That warrior spirit and resiliency of the Catawba have helped us through many hard times.
After our federal status was removed in 1951, we reorganized and fought to regain that sta- tus. And though it took over 20 years to accomplish this, we achieved it. That same heritage is within the tribe now. We are warriors and are a strong, resilient people, who know that working together will move us farther down the path we want to go.
CONTACTUS
996 AVENUE OF THE NATIONS
ROCKHILL, SC 29730
OFFICEHOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY8AMTO 5PM CLOSED ON ALLFEDERALHOLIDAYS
PH:(803) 366-4792
F:(803) 327-4853
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