The French Videos
The Chickasaws have a turbulent history with the French and experienced tension due to their own close relationship with the British.
28 Items
Ackia: The Ill-Fated French Attacks
Julian PrinceJulian Prince authored the historical novel, "Ackia" around the elaborate French plan to crush the Chickasaws.
First Ackia Attack: French from the North
Julian PrinceJulian Prince authored the historical novel, "Ackia" around the elaborate French plan to crush the Chickasaws.
A Trade Advantage
Brad LiebAs anthropologist Brad Lieb explains, leaders of prominent towns were able to set up trade relations with both the French and British.
European Traders Expose Tribes to Disease
Richard GreenThe tribes British traders encountered en route to the Chickasaws exposed them to many diseases that proved fatal.
The French Attacked a Chickasaw Peace Village
LaDonna BrownArchaeologist LaDonna Brown describes the infamous 1736 Battle of Hikea (Ackia) in which the French attacked a Chickasaw peace village.
Treaty of Paris: French Cede Lands to the British
Richard GreenTribal historian Richard Green explains this important chapter of 18th century history.
Consolidating Our Settlements to Survive
Richard GreenThe French had mounted constant attacks on the Chickasaws, so by 1740, the Chickasaws had consolidated their villages as a survival strategy.
Enemy Tribes: Choctaws and Others Align with the French
Richard GreenTribal historian Richard Green describes how the French, after losing battles with the Chickasaws, decided to attack them via surrogates.
The French Leader Bienville
Richard GreenThe French explorer who later became the Governor of French Louisiana, Bienville, was the highest-ranking European who learned the Chickasaw language.
The French Plan to Colonize French Louisiana
Richard GreenRichard Green describes how this ambition put the French in direct competition with the British who were by this time aligned with the Chickasaws.
La Salle Claims Vast Lands for France
Richard GreenRichard Green relates the story of the French explorer La Salle claiming much of the North American continent for France, without taking any action.
The Chickasaws: The Military Jacket and Other European Influences
Jeannie BarbourThe European military jackets, gorgets, and turbans worn by Chickasaw men reflects the tribe's ability to adapt European influences.
Peace Finally Emerges: The Treaty of Paris
Brad LiebThe Treaty of Paris ended the French and Indian War in 1763 and began a new era of prosperity for the Chickasaws.
Chickasaws in Desperate Need of Supplies
Brad LiebEnduring almost daily raids by French-allied Indians, the Chickasaws could not hunt for the deerskin used for trade with the British.
The Chickasaws' Early Meetings with the French and British
Brad LiebAfter migrating north up the Black Prairie, the Chickasaws again encountered European explorers, this time the French, around 1680.
Sniping Raids on the Chickasaws
Brad LiebWeakened and embarrassed by their defeats, the French removed Bienville as governor of Louisiana.
Chickasaw Negotiation with the French, 1739
Brad LiebThough they amassed the largest army ever in North America at the time, the French faced a series of logistical headaches.
The Chickasaws: Enemy River Traffic Tricked
Brad LiebThe Chickasaw Nation though small proved to be a big problem for French trade ships and their Indian guides on the Mississippi River.
French Battle Tactic: Moving Walls to Protect the Front Line
Brad LiebThe French used a battle tactic of stuffed mattresses carried by slaves to protect the front line.
The Natchez Become Chickasaw Refugees
Brad LiebGrowing wary of French demands, the Natchez tribe staged a revolt against a French colony in 1729.
Battle of Ackia: The French Plan to Crush the Chickasaws
Brad LiebThe Chickasaws had become a thorn in the side of the French, who often found their boats of supplies and goods for trading attacked and pillaged.
Bienville Guided by Choctaws
Brad LiebThough he demanded to be taken to the Natchez village, Bienville wrote that the Choctaw guides led him “to and fro.”
Ackia Misfire: D'Arteguette Attacks Early
Brad LiebWith a large army and Indian allies, the French seemed poised to overtake the Chickasaws on March 26, 1736.
Bienville Attacks Ackia, the Longtown Cluster
Brad LiebUnder pressure from Choctaw guides with their own agenda, Bienville ordered an attack on the Chickasaw Longtown Cluster of villages.
Battle of Ackia: Chickasaws Return French Grenades
Brad LiebThe French began their attack on Ackia with grenades.
Battle of Ackia: Bienville Arrives a Month Late
Brad LiebThe anticipated attack by the French surge from the South led by Governor Bienville, arrived a month late.
Chickasaw "Hatchet Women" Attack, Singing
Brad LiebProtecting their land and way of life from the French, Chickasaw women joined the battle during the attack on Ogoula Tchetoka.
The French and Indian Wars, Final Campaign
Brad LiebThe final campaign of the French war with the Chickasaw in 1739 involved an amassing of the French army at present-day Memphis.
One Tribe One Mission
"Our mission to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people will continue to serve as our guidepost as we work together to build an even brighter future"
Bill Anoatubby, Governor
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