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Native American Tribes of Kentucky

Did you know the name "Kentucky" comes from a Iroquoian Indian word? It comes from Kentake, which means "meadow land." The Iroquois were not the original native people of this region, however.

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The original inhabitants of the area that is now Kentucky included:

The Cherokee tribe

The Chickasaw tribe

The Shawnee tribe

The Yuchi tribe

See also our new Cherokee, Chickasaw, Yuchi, and Shawnee Facts for Kids pages!

There are no federally recognized Indian tribes in Kentucky today.

Most Native Americans were forced to leave Kentucky during the Indian Removals of the 1800's. These tribes are not extinct, but except for the descendants of Kentucky Indians who escaped from Removal, they do not live in Kentucky anymore. They were moved to Indian reservations in Oklahoma instead. If you click on the link for each tribe above, you can find more information about them.

Other Indian tribes, bands and communities remaining in Kentucky today include:

Southern Cherokee Nation of Kentucky:
7919 Pleasant Hill Road
Henderson, KY 42420
http://www.southerncherokeenation.net/

Recommended books about Kentucky Native Americans:

Kentucky Indians: Introducing Kentucky's Native American history and culture to kids.

Indians of Kentucky: Thorough ethnography of Kentucky Indian tribes from prehistory through Removal.

The Shawnee: Kentucky Bicentennial: Book exploring the Shawnee Indian presence in Kentucky.

Other resources about American Indian history, culture and society in Kentucky state:

Kentucky Native Americans: Brief overview of Kentucky Indian history.

Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission: State council dedicated to the culture and needs of Kentucky's Native American population.

Native Americans in Central Kentucky: Information on the Shawnees and other Kentucky Native Americans.

Back to the index of Native American tribes
Back to our index of Native American tribes by state
Back to our Native American website for kids

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