The Catawba—one of the few Native American communities who remained in the Carolinas after the notorious Trail of Tears—have a rich and fascinating history that can be dated to 2400 BC. Once the inhabitants of a large swath of land that covered parts of North and South Carolina, most Catawba now live on a reservation in York County, South Carolina. In Catawba Nation: Treasures in History, Thomas J. Blumer seeks to preserve and present the history of this resilient people. Blumer chronicles Catawba history from the first contact with Spanish explorers to their present-day fame as makers of traditional Catawba pottery. In this collection of writings, we learn of Hernando de Soto's meeting with the Lady of Cofitachique, the leadership of Chief James Harris and the fame of potter Georgia Harris, who won the National Heritage Award for her art. Using an engaging mix of folklore, oral history and historical records, Blumer weaves an accessible history of the tribe, preserving their story of suffering and survival for future generations.
Thomas J. Blumer served for nineteen years as the Catawba tribal historian and still works with the tribe, helping to preserve their rich history. He has published over 200 articles in a variety of publications and three other books on the Catawba Indians.