Treaties
The Choctaw and the United States agreed to nine treaties between 1786 and 1830. The Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek was the last to be signed agreeing to the final removal of the Choctaw Nation. Choctaw land was systematically obtained through treaties, legislation, and threats of warfare. Treaties were made with Great Britain, France, and Spain. Nine treaties were signed with the United States. Some treaties, like the Treaty of San Lorenzo, indirectly affected the Choctaws.
The Choctaws considered European laws and diplomacy foreign and puzzling. The most confusing aspect of treaty making was writing which was impressive for a people who have not developed a written system. Choctaw history, as with many Native Americans, was passed orally from generation to generation. Europeans needed treaties to satisfy their cultural laws and ease their consciences. During treaty negotiations the three main Choctaw tribal areas (Upper Towns, Six town, and Lower Towns) had a "Miko" (chief) to represent them. Spain had the earliest claims to Choctaw country which was followed by French claims starting in the late 17th century. The United States, following the Treaty of San Lorenzo, laid claim to Choctaw country starting in 1795.
| Treaty | Year | Ceded Land |
| Hopewell | 1786 | n/a |
| Fort Adams | 1801 | 2,641,920 acres (10,691.5 km2) |
| Fort Confederation | 1802 | 10,000 acres (40 km2) |
| Hoe Buckintoopa | 1803 | 853,760 acres (3,455.0 km2) |
| Mount Dexter | 1805 | 4,142,720 acres (16,765.0 km2) |
| Fort St. Stephens | 1816 | 10,000 acres (40 km2) |
| Doak's Stand | 1820 | 5,169,788 acres (20,921.39 km2) |
| Washington City | 1825 | 2,000,000 acres (8,100 km2) |
| Dancing Rabbit Creek | 1830 | 10,523,130 acres (42,585.6 km2) |
Read more about this topic: Choctaw Trail Of Tears
Famous quotes containing the word treaties:
“There are secret articles in our treaties with the gods, of more importance than all the rest, which the historian can never know.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“When people say women can’t be trusted because they cycle every month, my response is that men cycle every day, so they should only be allowed to negotiate peace treaties in the evening.”
—June Reinisch (b. 1943)
“There can be no reconciliation where there is no open warfare. There must be a battle, a brave boisterous battle, with pennants waving and cannon roaring, before there can be peaceful treaties and enthusiastic shaking of hands.”
—Mary Elizabeth Braddon (1837–1915)