1805: the Houma written off as "extinct" (Orleans Territory, 1805)

SUMMARY1805: the Houma written off as "extinct" (Orleans Territory, 1805) [Connections: Louisiana (deep), Nov 5, 2026]

RECORDJefferson's notes on Sibley's report state: "the Avoyals and Humas are extinct." The same notes record the Attakapa "with some Tunicas & Humas married among them they are about 80. men," and the Appelousas as "[means Black head] aboriginal of their place." The Red River Historian transcription (Robin Cole-Jett, 2024) tabulates Sibley's counts: Appelousas 40 men, Attacapas about 80 men, Tunicas 25 men, Natchitoches 12 men and 19 women, Adaïs 20 men

PATTERNThe same document declares the Houma extinct and also records Houma people married into the Attakapa. The Houma are still in Louisiana today. A federal agent's declaration of extinction is not proof of extinction

LENS (WW9)Declared "extinct" in 1805 while they were still alive and marrying. Extinct on paper, alive on the bayou

OPENSibley's original letter (versus Jefferson's notes); where the Houma were living in 1805

SOURCESNotes on John Sibley's Account (Founders Online); Census of the Native People of New Orleans Territory, 1805 (Red River Historian); primary: Papers of Thomas Jefferson vol. 46, pp. 417–422.