— End of week Nine —
The Native American group known as the Wichita Indians suffered through forced migration during the 19th and 20th century due to Anglo – American influences in Northern Texas, resulting in the depletion of their population in places such as Wichita Falls. The Wichita Indians also had difficult relationships with the stronger, more prominent tribes such as the Comanche Indians, who dominated most of Northern Texas. This consequently created tension between tribes and further displacement of the remaining bands of the Wichita Indians. Although the Wichita Indians are no longer found in Wichita Falls, their influences are expressed throughout the city and county’s history as a whole. Whether it be in buildings, statues, or place names, their legacy remains an integral part of the community.
The resources used in this project fall into two distinct categories. The first category focuses on primary sources, first-hand accounts to the history being analyzed. This will include autobiographies, memoirs, and interviews with contemporaries of the studied events . It will also include accounts and depictions from newspapers and other periodicals, as well as pertinent official policy and legislation. The second major category of resources to be utilized by this project include secondary sources that inform and analyze previous events. These works come in two distinct variants. The first such variant focuses on regional history. These sources include significant details on the influential Native American populations in the region, specifically the Wichita, but places those populations squarely within the context of Texas, the United States, and the settlement of the frontier. Alternatively, sources may focus upon the Wichita and the Native American populations themselves. While these wider studies will go well beyond the regional focus adopted by this project, they will still serve as an important source of knowledge.
Significant academic research has been conducted on the Native American populations of the western Texoma region and the area surrounding Wichita Falls, Texas. However, much of the research is dated, warrants further examination, or provides incomplete coverage of all aspects of the topic. Some of the historic analysis has been rooted in the mythology surrounding the state of Texas, potentially resulting in skewed perspectives. Additionally, not all Native American populations have been studied to the same extent. The Wichita, in particular, have been marginalized in many of the wider studies. This project intends to place the Wichita and other regional populations into the appropriate historical context, ranging from their initial presence through forced migrations and ending in their continued influence on regional culture even after their departure.
Until next time, Maria.
Link to MWSU Project Site – partnership.