Ball-play of the Choctaw--Ball Down

George Catlin, born Wilkes-Barre, PA 1796-died Jersey City, NJ 1872 · 1834-1835

In Choctaw lacrosse, which George Catlin witnessed in 1834, each team was cheered on by friends, family, and fans who camped at the opposite ends of the field to watch the game and bet on its outcome. Catlin noted that women did much of the wagering, which involved “knives-dresses-blankets-pots and kettles-dogs and horses, and guns.”