"THE CHIEFS NOW IN THIS CITY"

A history of the early American frontier from the perspective of Native Americans.

At the beginning of his latest penetrating book on Native affairs, noted Dartmouth historian Calloway calls out the simplistic belief that Native Americans disappeared into the wilderness as colonists pushed west in the 18th and 19th centuries. On the contrary, writes the author, Native Americans frequently moved toward urban areas rather than away from them, “as they responded to new centers of power, adapted to new pressures, and took advantage of new economic opportunities.” They traveled to Boston, Charleston, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, and other cities for not only diplomatic or economic reasons, but also recreational purposes, often staying weeks or months at a time. “Many historians have pored over the writing of colonial travelers for deeper understanding of Native American society and culture,” writes Calloway, “yet few have looked to Native American travelers for alternative understandings of early American society and culture.” As he has done in previous books, the author provides an extensive review and analysis of the available literature, offering a fresh view of the lives of Native Americans during the early years of the new republic while correcting many common misconceptions, particularly in relation to hospitality, civility, and justice. Calloway shows how “colonial communities depended on connections to Indian country for their existence, growth, and prosperity.” To this end, the leaders of these cities would host delegates from various Native nations for conferences and negotiations, often making arrangements and paying for their lodging and other expenses. Native men and women would also travel to cities to trade and to engage socially. While in the city, they took part in everyday Colonial life, including eating, drinking, attending church, and visiting and performing in theater productions. Calloway also explores the perils faced by Native Americans on these journeys, including violence, racism, and disease.

A welcome Native-focused history of Colonial America.