One people, five names from the state: Croatan, Robeson, Cherokee, Lumbee (North Carolina, 1885–1956)

SUMMARYOne people, five names from the state: Croatan, Robeson, Cherokee, Lumbee (North Carolina, 1885–1956) [Connections: Carolinas, Nov 5, 2026]

RECORDA chronology compiled by Appalachian State's Lumbee digital collection lists: Feb. 10, 1885, NC law names Robeson County Indians "Croatan Indians" and provides separate schools; 1887, Croatan normal school (forerunner of UNC-Pembroke); Mar. 8, 1911, name changed to "Indians of Robeson County"; Mar. 11, 1913, to "Cherokee Indians of Robeson County"; Apr. 20, 1953, to "Lumbee Indians of North Carolina"; June 7, 1956, federal Lumbee Act (PL 84-570) adopts "Lumbee" but provides no federal Indian services. It also notes a 1754 agent's description of Drowning Creek settlers as "a mixt crew."

PATTERNThe same families went from "free persons of color" (pre-1835) to four different state-assigned Indian names in 70 years. The labels changed while the people did not

LENS (WW9)Renamed on paper again and again; the label was never their own choice until they fought for it

OPENThe chronology is a secondary compilation; quote each session law from the NC Session Laws. The chronology's 1875 entry wording was unclear and has been left out

SOURCEChronology of significant events in the history of Robeson County Indians (Appalachian State DSI).