The Caddo Indians of Louisiana

"The Caddo Indians of Louisiana" by Clarence H. Webb and Hiram F. Gregory is a historical account written in the late 20th century, specifically around 1978. The book explores the rich cultural heritage, history, and evolution of the Caddo Indians, who inhabited northwestern Louisiana and surrounding areas from as early as A.D. 800-900. Through archaeological findings and historical records, it provides insights into their way of life, social organization, and interactions with European settlers. The book details the Caddo's development from early agricultural societies through their complex ceremonial practices and community structures. It covers significant periods of Caddoan culture, including the Alto, Bossier, and Belcher Focuses, examining archaeological sites that reveal their settlement patterns, burial customs, and cultural exchanges with other tribes and European countries. Noteworthy sites like Gahagan and Mounds Plantation provide context for understanding their ceremonial practices and social hierarchies. Furthermore, the authors discuss the impact of European contact on the Caddo people, tracing their gradual sociopolitical changes, and emphasizing the continuity of their cultural identity into the present day.