People of the plainsCORE LESSON 4 – PAGES 60-63

The Great Plains

- Lie in the center of North America- Stretch from Mississippi River to Rocky

Mountains and from Texas to Canada

Eastern Plains

Occupied by tribes including the Pawnee and Omaha Rainfall made farming successful Built villages near river

Lodge: Home made of bark, earth, grass. Provided protection from cold and stormy weather

Farmed in spring and fall Hunted in summer and winter

Western Plains

Dry weather = difficult farming Relied on buffalo

Provided meat Bones could be used to make tools Hair could be made into rope Tail = fly swatter Skin used for shelter, blankets, clothing, drums, and

shields

Western Plains (Continued)

Occupied by nomads Nomad: Person who moves around and does not live

in one place Carried belongings using a travois

Travois: Similar to sled, usually pulled by a dog

Lived in teepee (Cone shaped tent) – Easy to set up and take down

The Comanche

Skilled horseriders, hunter, and warriors Brought horses to North America in 1500’s

By 1700’s, almost all American Indians had horses Made life easier to hunt and travel Wealth measured by how many horses owned

The Comanche (continued)

Migrated from Wyoming to Oklahoma and Texas Lived as nomads Were fierce warriors Became one of the most powerful Plains groups

(nations) Became known as “The Lords of the Southern Plains”

Had wealth and strength

Comanche Government

Divided into groups, hunted and traveled freely

Chose leaders (chiefs)Different chiefs for war and peace

Comanche Today

About 8500 live in US today Most live as farmers/ranchers in Oklahoma Still have own government