Other Definitions
choctaw (dict)
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ChoctawThe Choctaws are a Native American people originally from the southeast United States (Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana). In the nineteenth century, they were known as one of the "Five Civilized Tribes," so-called because they had adopted a number of cultural practices of European-Americans. They used the trail that is now known as the Natchez Trace as a trade route to the north. During the American Revolutionary War, Choctaw scouts served under Generals George Washington, Daniel Morgan, Anthony Wayne, and John Sullivan. Some Choctaw scouts served with General Wayne again in the Northwest Indian War. During the American Civil War, the Choctaws sided with the southern states. Those Choctaws who were forcibly removed to the Indian territory in the 1830s were organized as the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Those who eluded removal formed the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. In World War I, a group of Choctaws serving in the U.S. Army used their native language as a code. They were the forerunner to Native Americans from various nations, most notably the Navajo, who were used as radio operators, or code talkers, during World War II. The Choctaw Reservation in Mississippi has 8 communities: Bogue Chitto, Bogue Homa, Conehatta, Crystal Ridge, Pearl River, Red Water, Tucker, and Standing Pine. These communities are located throughout the state like a chain of "islands." In 1964, the wrecked car of three three murdered civil rights workers was found on a Choctaw Reservation in Mississippi. (Choctaws had nothing to do with the murders.) Famous Americans who claim Choctaw heritage include Roy Rogers (Western film actor), Brett Favre (NFL quarterback), James Meredith (the first person of African American heritage to attend the University of Mississippi), and Jessica Biel (actress). The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI) has one of the largest casinos located near Philadelphia, Mississippi. See also External links
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