Native American History
Early volumes of the History of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties recount archaeological finds reflecting the Mound Builder culture, as well as the remnants of peoples often referred to as "giants," on farms and home sites from Great Valley and Randolph to Wellsville and Friendship. Little information about these particular finds remains, beyond folktales and oral tradition of local non-native residents. However, scientific data does support the existence of the enigmatic Mound Builder peoples in most of the states in the east, from the far north to the Deep South. Though little is known about these Mound Builders, it is thought that they are among the ancestors of later, distinct native groups.

At the time of first European Contact with Native peoples in New York State, (early 1500's,) there were many Native Nations living here. The Iroquois Confederacy, or League, (Ho-dee-no-saw-nee-People of the Longhouse;) were the most dominant of the Nations, having formed a powerful alliance, complete with a constitution and fully democratic form of government. According to legend, the Iroquois had been united by a legendary "Peacemaker," several "generations" before the first European arrival, who brought the nations a "great Law of Peace." Within this Great Law were all the prescribed customs and government structure to dictate their united and peaceful way of life. The Five Nations united by this Great Law were (are) the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida and Mohawk; (joined later by a Sixth Nation, the Tuscarora, In the early 1700's.) This powerful union had gained the Iroquois dominance over much of the northeastern territory, although there continued to be other strong neighboring Nations with whom they continued to battle. These Included the Huron and the Lenni Lenape, (Delaware,) among others.

The Five Nations above were listed in order of their territory across New York State, with the Senecas being the westernmost Nation, and the Mohawks being the easternmost, Their great territory was viewed by them as being a large imaginary Longhouse, (the symbol of tradition and the homes in which all members of each clan family lived in those days,) so the Seneca and Mohawk were entrusted with keeping watch over the western and eastern doors, respectively. (Thus, their names "Keepers of the Western Door" and "Keepers of the Eastern Door.")

Although the legendary Seneca homeland was more toward the central part of New York State, (near Canandaigua, NY,) their territory spread west, eventually absorbing the Erie (or "Cat") Nation which once lived along much of Western New York. Seneca territory would spread far into Pennsylvania and Ohio through the period of the American Revolution, mingling with other Nations along the way. The Erie Nation was nicknamed the "Cat" Nation, due to their custom of donning outfits consisting of the full hides and heads of locally slain black panthers.

Most Americans have very little knowledge of the Iroquois and their significance to the history of this Nation. It is an interesting history, beginning with the initial encounters with the early fur traders through to the establishment of the idea for united colonies. Although many of the Iroquois established a lasting relationship with the British early on, relationships were further forged with the rebel colonists who would revolt against the crown. In seeking a way to establish a representative democratic government, which would be free of the King's dictatorship, founding "fathers" such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson observed the efficient and powerful Iroquois government system and its constitution. It is documented historical fact that these men used the Iroquois government system as a model for their uniting the colonies, developing the Articles of Confederation which gave birth to the idea, and that they also adopted much of the Iroquois Constitution when developing the original U.S. Constitution. The roles of women in the Iroquois government were much too strong, however, so that part of the structure was omitted. But even the symbols of democracy saw their origins in the Iroquois model, with the great Eagle standing as powerful symbol and protector, and the tied arrows, (often seen clutched in the talons of the eagle.) representing the united strength of the Nations.

Seneca names continue to be used throughout western New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, for towns, cities, rivers and counties. Most are ancient and represent events of importance, or important inhabitants of those areas. The very name "Ohio," stems from the Seneca name "o hee yoh," for "Beautiful River," which is the name of the Allegany Reservation of today's Seneca Nation.

There are presently three (3) Seneca nation reservations, and one (1) additional reservation for the Tonawanda Band of Senecas. The Seneca Nation adopted an elective form of government in 1848, while the Tonawandas retained the chieftainship, in part to restore lost lands. Seneca Nation reservations are Allegany, (in and around Salamanca, NY;) Cattaraugus, (near Irving and Gowanda, NY;) and Oil Spring, (near Cuba, NY.) The Oil Spring reservation was retained by treaty, because of its natural petroleum well there, which was valued for medicine and other uses. Oil Spring is, in fact, the first oil well "discovered" in this part of the country. The Tonawanda reservation is near Akron, NY, not far from Buffalo.

In 1851, the first study of any Native American group was published, entitled "The League of the Iroquois." by Lewis Henry Morgan. It remains highly respected among ethnological literature about the Iroquois or any Native group, still being re-published to this day. Mr. Morgan used the Knowledge and assistance of Ely Parker, a Tonawanda Seneca, to write the book, and Morgan was dubbed the "Father of American Ethnology" as a result. Ely Parker went on to become a General in the Civil War, and was personal aide and Secretary to General Ulysses S. Grant. Parker penned the surrender signed by Robert E. Lee at Appomatox, and later became the very first American Indian to serve as U.S. Commissioner of Indian Affairs.