Catawba Nation
The Catawba are South Carolina’s only federally recognized Indian tribe, with deep York County roots.
The Catawba Indian Nation’s historic homeland includes the river corridor through present-day York County and neighboring areas. A 1763 treaty era and later federal recognition shaped land, citizenship, and record-keeping. Today the Catawba are the only federally recognized tribe headquartered in South Carolina.
Researchers should treat tribal enrollment, BIA materials, mission records, and local deeds as distinct documentary streams—not interchangeable with county probate alone.