The Adaes Tribe: History and Culture of the Caddoan People

Published: 1952

Updated: June 1, 1995

The Adaes (Atais, Atayos) were a Caddoan tribe inhabiting the Red River area north of the site of present Natchitoches, Louisiana. In 1699 Pierre le Moyne d'Iberville called them Natao. San Miguel de Linares de los Adaes Mission was established for them in 1716, destroyed in 1719, and restored in 1721. The Adaes were also found at San Francisco de los Tejas Mission. John R. Swanton said the Adaes spoke a divergent dialect and seemed to have had a more primitive culture than the other Caddoan tribes of the area.

Frederick Webb Hodge, ed., Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico (2 vols., Washington: GPO, 1907, 1910; rpt., New York: Pageant, 1959).

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The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this entry.

Margery H. Krieger, “Adaes Indians,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed May 19, 2026, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/adaes-indians.

TID: BMA05

Original Publication Date:: 1952
Most Recent Revision Date:: June 1, 1995

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The Adaes Tribe: History and Culture of the Caddoan People

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