LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — The Catawba Nation, located in South and North Carolina, has gained back 32.3 acres of sacred land in Lancaster.
The more than 32 acres were given back by the State of South Carolina. The Catawba Nation announced they plan to apply to have this land taken into trust by the federal government.
“The newly reacquired land, which is located near the Catawba’s Reservation, is sacred to the Nation and is home to a historic Catawba village site,” the Catawba Nation said on Thursday. “Traditionally, Catawbas lived in villages, which were surrounded by a wooden palisade or wall. Catawba villages hosted a large council house as well as a sweat lodge, homes, and an open plaza for meetings, games, and dances.”
With the reacquisition of its sacred land, the Catawba Nation said they plan to preserve and protect the property. The Nation also plans to work with archaeologists to study the site.