Back to Top
Home » The Society’s Southern History Recommended Reading » 02 Histories of Specific Periods » 02.01 PERIOD HISTORIES, Histories of Natives of South—eastern North America » 02.01.03 Adair, James, The History of the American Indians, published in London in 1775.

02.01.03 Adair, James, The History of the American Indians, published in London in 1775.

James Adair  (1709?–1783?) was born in Ireland and settled in Charles Town, South Carolina, about 1735.  South Carolinaians  early developed an extensive trade by pack train with Indians of the  Southeast  and were among the first explorers of the region.  Not much is known about Adair but he engaged in this trade and was evidently an educated man.  In 1774 he lived with the Chickasaws in what is now Mississippi.  He was also familiar with the Catawba, Cherokee, and Choctaw.  His account is remarkably comprehensive and remains a basic source for historians and anthropologists.  The book has been republished at least twice and is available in several online versions.   

CNW