American Indians of Texas

Hello. Before there were tall buildings or busy roads in a place called Texas, I was here. I was the whisper of the wind in the tall grass and the sound of children's laughter in villages made of earth and wood. I watched giant, fluffy bison roam across huge, open fields and saw families fish in canoes on sparkling waters. I am the very first story of this land.

I am the story of the American Indians of Texas. I am not just one story, but many, because many different families lived here. The Caddo people were amazing farmers in the east who built homes like tall beehives from grass. On the coast, the Karankawa families traveled by canoe to fish and gather shells. Out on the wide-open plains, the Comanche and Apache families were incredible horse riders who followed the mighty bison. Each family had its own special way of living, with different foods, homes, and songs, all connected to the beautiful land.

Today, Texas looks very different, but my story is still alive and strong. You can see it in the beautiful artwork people create, hear it in the beat of a drum at a powwow, and feel it in the love people have for the earth. I am a story of family, strength, and tradition. My story is shared so that everyone remembers the first people of Texas and how they cared for the land, and it will be told forever.