From Dominance to Disappearance - by F Todd Smith

Book Synopsis

From Dominance to Disappearance is the first detailed history of the Indians of Texas and the Near Southwest from the late eighteenth to the middle nineteenth century, a period that began with Native peoples dominating the region and ended with their disappearance, after settlers forced the Indians in Texas to take refuge in Indian Territory. Drawing on a variety of published and unpublished sources in Spanish, French, and English, F. Todd Smith traces the differing histories of Texas's Native peoples. He begins in 1786, when the Spaniards concluded treaties with the Comanches and the Wichitas, among others, and traces the relations between the Native peoples and the various Euroamerican groups in Texas and the Near Southwest, an area encompassing parts of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. For the first half of this period, the Native peoples--including the Caddos, the Karankawas, the Tonkawas, the Lipan Apaches, and the Atakapas as well as emigrant groups such as the Cherokees and the Alabama-Coushattas--maintained a numerical superiority over the Euroamericans that allowed them to influence the region's economic, military, and diplomatic affairs. After Texas declared its independence, however, the power of Native peoples in Texas declined dramatically, and along with it, their ability to survive in the face of overwhelming hostility. From Dominance to Disappearance illuminates a poorly understood chapter in the history of Texas and its indigenous people.

Review Quotes

"A comprehensive narrative of the interactions that occurred between American Indians, these three European powers, and the United States. . . . Smith's account is breathtakingly complex, and clearly reflects his painstaking research in primary sources written in three languages. . . . Encyclopedic in scope, this book is a must read for any serious scholar of American Indian History." -Byron E. Pearson, Western Historical Quarterly -- Byron E. Pearson "Western Historical Quarterly" (06/27/2007)

"A straightforward chronological reference . . . significant and much-needed."-Daniel J. Gelo, Journal of American History -- Daniel J. Gelo "Journal of American History" (01/16/2007)

"From Dominance to Disappearance is an ambitious study that chronicles the tragic histories of scores of Indian groups as they struggled to maintain their cherished autonomy and livelihood in an increasingly hostile environment."-Hispanic American Historical Review

"Here we have, at last, the first really comprehensive survey of the history of all Indians of Texas, including tribes that spilled over into Louisiana and Oklahoma. . . . This book is a valuable reference source."-Richard H. Dillon, True West -- Richard H. Dillon "True West"

"Marked by a strong narrative and attention to detail. . . . While the last part of the book may be familiar territory to students of Texas history, the narrative force of a story that starts when the Indians were masters of their own destiny completely alters the context of events. Todd Smith's story is worthy of a wide readership." -The Americas

"Provides a stimulating and detailed history of the Anglo-Indian political and military interactions in this time and region." -William C. Meadows, Great Plains Quarterly

"Smith places his emphasis on the Native Americans of the region. We learn much about Indian leaders, about Indian social and economic accommodations and adjustments to their declining populations and power, and about tribal responses to the aggressive American encroachment. The approach represents a wonderful contribution to Native American scholarship in Texas and the Southwest. Smith includes a brief epilogue that surveys the story of the major tribal groups from 1859 to the present."-Paul H. Carlson, Chronicles of Oklahoma -- Paul H. Carlson "Chronicles of Oklahoma" (01/08/2007)

"Smith's careful review of French and Spanish archival materials adds a welcome new dimension to the information generally available for this era. . . . In relating this tale, Smith effectively shatters the schoolbook myth that Indians were a barrier to American advancement in the west, showing instead how the Indians of Texas and the Near Southwest sought continuously though (though often imperfectly) to work out arrangements whereby they could coexist peacefully with colonists and settlers." -George Sabo III, Arkansas Historical Quarterly

"This important study based upon published and unpublished Spanish- and French-language sources makes a major contribution to Native American, borderland, and Texas history. . . . Essential."-Choice

About the Author

F. Todd Smith is an associate professor of history at the University of North Texas. He is the author of several books on Texas Indians, including The Caddo Indians: Tribes on the Convergence of Empires, 1542-1854, The Wichita Indians: Traders of Texas and the Southern Plains, 1540-1845, and The Caddos, the Wichitas, and the United States, 1846-1901.