Catawba, South Carolina

Catawba (cuh-TAW-buh) is an unincorporated community in York County. The community, Catawba, was once referred to as Catawba Ridge, but this name became unpopular after 1974. Only tribal elders refer to Catawba as Catawba Ridge.

Geography

Catawba is located in the Piedmont (Foothills) region of South Carolina. Within the town limits of Catawba, there are certain areas of the land that consists of red clay. Red clay is the result of poor farming practices, which eventually led to the erosion of topsoil in the area. Prior to the erosion of topsoil, the Piedmont Region was once known for great farming.

History

The Catawba Native Americans first populated the area along the Catawba River more than 6,000 years ago. Settlers began to colonize the Piedmont region in 1670. The Catawba Natives believed in brotherly love and peace, so they created a friendly environment and relationship with the settlers. Along with the settlers there came new beginnings, tools, and diseases. In 1759, there was a small pox epidemic that eventually brought the Native American tribe population to less than 1,000 people.

Catawba Indian Reservation

The Catawba Indian Reservation is a 600-acre piece of land purchased by the Catawba Indians in 1850. This reservation is the only Indian reservation that is federally recognized in the state of South Carolina. As of 2011, there are 2,800 members of the reservation. The Reservation offers childcare, a housing program, clinics, transit services, a senior citizens program, and a Head Start program for all members of the Catawba Indian Nation. Anyone is welcome to visit the Catawba Indian Reservation, but before anyone enters the property, they must understand and abide by their rules.

References

Geological Survey Names Information System: Catawba, York County, South Carolina

Municipalities and communities of York County, South Carolina, United States

County seat: York

Cities	Rock Hill Tega Cay York

Towns	Clover Fort Mill Hickory Grove McConnells Sharon Smyrna‡

CDPs	Catawba India Hook Lake Wylie Lesslie Newport Riverview

Other unincorporated communities	Bullock Creek Filbert Holy Islamville Hopewell Ogden Red River Smith Tirzah

Footnotes	‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

Coordinates: 34°51′11″N 80°54′40″W / 34.85306°N 80.91111°W / 34.85306; -80.91111

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