Native Cemeteries and Forms of Burial East of
the Mississippi
When that
part of America which extends westward from the Atlantic to the Mississippi
was discovered by Europeans it was occupied by numerous tribes, speaking
distinct languages, with many dialects. And as the habitations and other
structures erected by the widely scattered tribes differed in form, size,
and the material of which they were constructed, and presented many
interesting characteristics, so did the cemeteries and forms of burial vary
in distant parts of the country.
Native
burials and places of burial have been
questioned my many people, David M.
Bushnell, provides many answers to forms,
places, and tribal customs. He does
not include all the tribes but does offer an
explanation on such tribes as Algonquian,
Powhatan, Seneca, Huron, Natchez, Sioux,
Cherokee, Creek, Seminole and Choctaw just
to name a few.
The states of Tennessee, Alabama, Illinois, and
Southern Ohio and the area around Bayou Lacomb, Biloxi, Pascagoula, are
included along with several others. Here he provides the types of burial
among the tribes, caves, mounds, and cremation.
For the serious researcher or those who are just
interested in how our ancestors lived and died, this book provides many of
the answers.
This site includes some historical materials that may imply negative
stereotypes reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place.
These items are presented as part of the historical record and should not be
interpreted to mean that the WebMasters in any way endorse the stereotypes
implied.
