The Wichita Indians, along with associated tribes, are located in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. They were known for their dome-shaped grass dwellings and were first encountered by Europeans in 1541. The population declined due to diseases and forced removal from their lands. The tribe is recognized by the US government and speaks English, with only one fluent speaker of the Wichita language remaining.
The Wichita Indians are a Native American tribe located in the states of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas in the United States. Other associated tribes include the Waco, Keechi and Tawakonie tribes. The Wichitas were known for their large, dome-shaped grass dwellings. A number of U.S. cities and natural landmarks are named after Wichita. The tribe is recognized by the United States federal government and is headquartered in Anadarko, Oklahoma.
Archaeologists believe the Wichita culture descended from the Washita River culture more than 800 years ago. The Washita River culture was widespread in the valleys of central and western Oklahoma. These people hunted game and gathered plants for food, medicine and rituals. Between 1350 and 1450 AD, some began to gather in larger villages with fortified turf houses. Others moved north into Arkansas.
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado’s expedition in 1541 marked the first time Europeans made contact with the Wichita Indians. By this time, many Wichita communities were growing corn and trading extensively with other indigenous groups in the Southwestern United States. In the winter, many Wichitas left their villages to follow the American bison on their seasonal hunts. The population of Wichita Indians at the time of European contact has been estimated at 200,000.
Like many indigenous groups in the Americas, contact with Europeans introduced infectious diseases to which the natives had no immunity. Wichita Indian populations exposed to European contact are thought to have declined dramatically due to diseases such as smallpox. Interaction with Europeans also introduced new technologies and domesticated species to Wichita. They are said to have acquired weapons and horses in 1719.
Settlers from the United States, Mexico, and the Republic of Texas who encountered the Wichita Indians largely forced them off their lands. The population of Wichita and associated tribes has been estimated at no more than 1,400 in 1820. In 1855, a reservation for the Wichita Indians was established along the Brazos River. In 1863, many Wichita Indians were forced to flee north by Confederate troops. Since contact with Europeans, there has also been a significant effort to convert the Wichita Indians to Christianity.
Historically, the Wichita Indians spoke the Wichita language. All members of the tribe now speak English, and as of 2008, only one person was fluent in Wichita. The language is considered a moribund language with a significant risk of language extinction. Despite efforts to continue the practices of Wichita culture, many members of the tribe have chosen to fully integrate into American society.
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