Native Americans have lived in this country much longer than any other European man. They play a huge role in this country, especially in today's Ohio and Indiana. The Miami Indians, who were Native Americans living in Ohio and Indiana, had very unique cultures, religious beliefs, and they still influence us today.
Origins of the Miami Indians
The Miami Indians decedents most likely came to America around fourteen thousand years ago. After they crossed the land bridge from Asia to North America, they slowly migrated southward towards present day Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. The core of activity of the early Indians was in the Ohio area. Slowly but surely the Native Americans began to form into different tribes. After many years of tribes defeating one another and new tribes forming, the tribe of Miami was formed.
Culture and Way of Life
The Miami Indians had a culture that is very different from American culture, but it also has many similarities. The Miami Indians hunted many of the animals in the area. These people used many simple weapons, such as spears and bow and arrows. On top of hunting, the Miami Indians were an agricultural community. They had a corn-based agriculture. This meant most of their foods were made from corn. Like most Native American cultures, the Miami Indians were a patriarchal society. The men were hunters and warriors while the women took care of the children and took care of many other things around the villages where they lived.
Contact with Europeans
The first contact the Miami Indians had with Europeans was with the French in the mid-1600s. Many French missionaries came and worked with the Miami Indians converting them to Catholicism. Eventually, after the English began to come into America, the new Americans began to push their way into the land of the Miami Indians and built farms.
European Westward Expansion and the Miami Fighting Back
The Miami Indians, like most other Native American tribes, were eventually driven west. After the French Indian War, more and more European settlers moved west into Miami Indian land. Small conflicts between the Miami Indians and farmers were not uncommon. The Battle of Fallen Timbers was one of the most important battles. When the a group of Native Americans, consisting of mostly the Miami Indians, marched on Fallen Timbers, they were greatly outnumbered. After a short battle they were forced to flee and sign a treaty that gave the United States write to the land that is now present day Ohio. Through many years of bloody battles on both sides, the Miami Indians were eventually driven west.
Miami Indians Today
There are still many Miami Indians living today. The largest population of Miami Indians lives in Oklahoma. Approximately five thousand people currently live there. On top of these people, there is also a large group of about 2,500 Miami Indians living in Indiana. Although the Native Americans still follow the beliefs of their ancestors, they don't have their own reservation. Therefore, the Miami Indians still have to follow all of the laws and customs of the United States Government.
The Miami Indians Still Affect Us Today
Although most people do not realize it, the Miami Indians still affect us today. Many families that have lived in the area for a long time may have an ancestor part of the Miami tribe. One of the major rivers in all the country, the Maumee River, was actually named by the Miami Indians. The name was originally the “Miami” River but the way the Native Americans pronounced it, it sounded to the settlers like Maumee River. Miami University, which is located in Southeast Ohio, is also named after the Miami Indians. On top of these things, there also many historical sites dedicated to the Indians. An example of this is Fallen Timbers, which is currently the sight of a very controversial issue on whether or not to change it into a mall. Interstate 24, which is the quickest and most direct route from Toledo, Ohio to Fort Wayne, Indiana was originally used by the Miami Indians. This trail, which was also used by General Anthony Wayne, was a common trade route used by Native Americans, because it followed the Maumee River.
Conclusion
The Miami Indians, who lived in the Ohio area, are the true natives to this land. They have lived in the area thousands of years longer than any white man. These people had very unique cultures, histories, and even today they still influence many of the things in everyday life. It is imperative that the culture and history of these great peoples is never forgotten.
