Historical Markers | American Indian Heritage Commission

Discover North Carolina’s rich American Indian heritage through a new series of historical markers being dedicated in 2024. This initiative highlights the culture and history of North Carolina’s tribes, with markers honoring the Coharie, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi, Sappony, and Waccamaw Siouan tribes. Additional markers recognize the East Carolina Indian School and the Buie Mound site, important landmarks in the state’s Indigenous history. The N.C. American Indian Heritage Commission collaborated closely with these tribes to bring their stories to life, ensuring that each marker reflects the unique and significant contributions of North Carolina's American Indian communities.

LUMBEE TRIBE

State recognized in 1885. People of the Dark Water. They continue to thrive along the river, their tribal namesake, in a four-county territory. Location: Pembroke, Robeson Co.

HALIWA-SAPONI INDIAN TRIBE

State recognized in 1965. Descendants of Saponi, Nansemond, and others reorganized in 1953. A tribal School est. 2000. Location: Hollister, Halifax Co.

MEHERRIN TRIBE

State recognized in 1986. An Iroquoian Nation. The traditional name is Kauwets’a-ka, People of the Water. The tribal headquarters here. Location: Murfreesboro, Hertford Co.

OCCANEECHI INDIAN TRIBE

State recognized in 2002. Siouan-speaking people. Settled here in “Texas” community in 1790s. Tribal lands 1 mile east. Location: Alamance Co.

SAPPONY TRIBE

State recognized in 1911. Traditional homelands ½ mi. N. High Plains Indian settlement. Helped draw NC-VA dividing line, 1728. Location: Person Co.

WACCAMAW SIOUAN INDIAN TRIBE

State recognized in 1971. Waccommassus, historical name. Known as People of the Falling Star. Tribal headquarters, 4 mi. N. Location: Bladen Co.

COHARIE INDIAN TRIBE

State recognized in 1971. Settled on Great Coharie River in the mid-1700’s. Now rooted by 4 historic Indian churches. The Tribal center is here. Location: Clinton, Sampson Co.

EAST CAROLINA INDIAN SCHOOL

Opened here in 1943 to provide a high school education to Indian youth of 7 counties in eastern N.C. It closed in 1965. Location: Clinton, Sampson Co.

BUIE MOUND

Religious & political site, nearby. Built 1100-1500 C.E. by American Indian people. In 1974 Indians contested and halted its excavation. Location: Red Springs, Robeson Co.