What you should know about Native American tribes based in Wilmington, NC

History of the Cape Fear Indians and the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe

While it remains uncertain whether indigenous peoples inhabited the lower Cape Fear region before 8000 B.C.E. Since then, numerous documented archaic Indian sites have been discovered in the area, according to a report by historian Dr. Jan Davidson published study shows with the New Hanover County Cape Fear Museum.

Archaeological finds near what is now River Road show that between 7,000 B.C. Indigenous peoples lived in the area for a time in the mid-17th century BC and mid-17th century. According to Davidson's work, additional camps were found at Castle Hayne. During the Woodland period, which began around 1000 B.C. Beginning in the 1st century BC, thousands of Native Americans probably lived in the region.

European contact with the North Carolina tribes along the Cape Fear was documented by an Italian explorer in 1524. Descendants of the tribe located in Brunswick, Pender, New Hanover, Columbus and Bladen counties, historically called the Cape Fear Indians by Europeans, are referred to as the Cape Fear Band of Skarure Woccon Indians.

Due to the sandy soil and humid climate, many evidence of Cape Fear Indian culture has disappeared. However, artifacts such as pottery shards, tools, coins and other items have been found throughout the area, providing valuable insight into its history.