The Mystery of the ‘Blackfoot’ Identity: A Historical Inquiry

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the term 'Blackfoot' and who the 'Blackfoot Tribe' might actually be? In this article, we delve into the complex history and cultural implications surrounding the term 'Blackfoot', particularly focusing on what is often referred to as 'Eastern Blackfoot'.

Introduction to 'Blackfoot' and 'Blackfoot Cherokee'

Many individuals, especially those in Kentucky and neighboring states, claim to be part of the 'Blackfoot Indian' ancestry. However, historical records do not support the existence of a 'Blackfoot Tribe' in these regions during the documented era. Various tribes, including the Nanticoke, Cherokee, and Delaware, have been recorded in the area, but it's perplexing why the term 'Blackfoot' is so commonly used.

The Origins of the Term 'Blackfoot'

The term 'Blackfoot' is widely believed to be an anglicized name that might have emerged from different tribes or events. Several theories attempt to explain the origins of this term:

A folklore theory suggests that the term might have originated from the observed oil-like residue on the soles of the feet of some local individuals. This theory is based on a story told by someone with mixed Saponi heritage, who suggested that the 'Blackfoot' name was due to this oily residue in North Carolina.

A historic place term theory points to a town in Delaware called 'Blackfoot Town'. Historical documents mention a tribe of Blackfoot Indians migrating from New Jersey to settle near the Indian River. As English settlers moved into the area, the name 'Blackfoot' persisted, even after the original Blackfoot Indians likely intermingled with other tribes.

A cultural adaptation theory posits that the term 'Blackfoot' might have been adopted by English settlers, who then described local Indians as 'Blackfoot'. This could have happened as early as the 1700s, before the extensive relocation of tribes to Oklahoma.

The Evidence and Documentation

Several findings support the latter theory that the term 'Blackfoot' might have been used by English settlers rather than the indigenous people themselves:

The existence of 'Blackfoot Church' in Pike County, Indiana, which dates back to the late 1700s, strongly suggests the presence of 'Blackfoot Indians' in that region during that time. Although definitive proof is lacking, the church's existence and its location near deli and Shawnee communities offer intriguing clues.

The back of a monument at the Blackfoot Church states that 'Blackfoot' was the name given to a local tribe of Indians, aligning with the historic documentation.

The overlapping of these communities with the deli and Shawnee, and the friendly interactions with the 'Blackfoot' residents, suggest a complex socio-cultural landscape in the region.

The movement of tribes in the 19th century is well-documented. Maps show the Nanticoke, Delaware, and Shawnee in the Indiana region in 1810, which is consistent with the presence of 'Blackfoot Indians' in the late 1700s, according to the church monument.

Conclusion

The mystery of the 'Blackfoot' identity is not yet fully resolved. While the term 'Blackfoot' is often used to describe a specific Native American heritage, its true origins and associations remain an open question. Historical research continues to shed light on this topic, and it is hoped that more detailed investigations will further uncover the complexities of this cultural term.

References

The following resources were used in the research for this article:

The History of Blackfoot Town, Delaware

Blackfoot Church, Pike County, Indiana

Maps of Indian Tribes in the 1800s