The Allegany Indian Reservation stands as a testament to the enduring presence and resilience of the Seneca people, one of the prominent nations within the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. Located in the southwestern portion of New York State, the Allegany Indian Reservation is a sovereign territory, primarily inhabited by Seneca, with a smaller community of Cayuga also residing there. Both tribes are integral members of the Six Nations, a powerful alliance that has shaped the history and culture of the northeastern United States and Canada for centuries.
Historical Context and Early Inhabitants
The land now encompassed by the Allegany Indian Reservation carries a rich and complex history, predating the arrival of the Seneca and Cayuga. Archaeological evidence suggests that the region was once home to the Wenrohronon and Eriehronon peoples. These tribes faced displacement and ultimately were overtaken by the Seneca during the tumultuous Beaver Wars, a series of conflicts that raged throughout the 17th century, beginning around 1638. These wars were largely fueled by competition for control of the lucrative fur trade, which dramatically altered the demographics and power dynamics of the region.
Geographical Location and Boundaries
The Allegany Indian Reservation is uniquely defined by its geographical location along both banks of the Allegheny River. The reservation’s boundaries encompass portions of several towns within Cattaraugus County, including South Valley, Cold Spring, Great Valley, Red House, Carrollton, and Allegany. Furthermore, the City of Salamanca, with the exception of a northern extension along U.S. Route 219, is situated entirely within the reservation’s borders. This intricate interweaving of tribal and municipal lands presents unique challenges and opportunities for both the Seneca Nation and the surrounding communities.
Governmental Structure and Administration
The governmental headquarters for the Allegany Indian Reservation are situated in Jimerson Town, a small, unincorporated hamlet located west of Salamanca. Jimerson Town evolved from a stretch of road that was once part of New York State Route 17, which is now a dead-end road. The Seneca Nation government operates on a rotational basis, alternating between Jimerson Town on the Allegany Indian Reservation and Irving on the Cattaraugus Reservation every two years. This practice ensures that both major Seneca territories have an opportunity to serve as the central hub for tribal governance. The current term began in November 2014.
The Cornplanter Tract: A Legacy Submerged
Historically, the Allegany Indian Reservation shared a border with the Cornplanter Tract, a 1,500-acre parcel of land granted in perpetuity to Seneca Chief Cornplanter (also known as John Abeel) and his descendants. This tract, located in Pennsylvania, represented the only reserved Native American lands within the state. Cornplanter was a prominent figure in Seneca history, known for his efforts to negotiate peaceful relations with the United States government in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
However, the Cornplanter Tract faced a tragic fate in the mid-20th century. By 1957, the year Jesse Cornplanter, Cornplanter’s last direct descendant, passed away, the Cornplanter Tract had dwindled to a seasonal population. Both the Cornplanter Tract and the western portion of the Allegany Indian Reservation were subsequently flooded and rendered largely uninhabitable due to the construction of the Kinzua Dam.
The Kinzua Dam, a project undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and hydroelectric power generation, had devastating consequences for the Seneca people. The flooding of their ancestral lands resulted in the displacement of hundreds of residents and the loss of valuable cultural and historical sites. In compensation for this loss, the Seneca Nation received financial settlements and assistance in the construction of new housing and infrastructure, including Jimerson Town and other resettlement areas. However, the trauma of displacement and the loss of their traditional way of life continue to resonate within the Seneca community.
Demographics and Socioeconomic Profile
The Allegany Indian Reservation encompasses a total area of approximately 43.7 square miles (113.1 square kilometers), with approximately 16.65% of the land covered by water. According to the 2000 census, the reservation (excluding the rented cities) was home to 1,099 residents, residing in 410 households and 280 families.
The socioeconomic data from the 2000 census reveals both progress and ongoing challenges within the community. The median household income on the reservation was $28,971, while the median family income was $30,250. Males had a median income of $23,958, compared to $20,982 for females. The per capita income for the reservation was $12,681. Despite these figures, approximately 17.0% of families and 22.6% of the population lived below the poverty line, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve economic opportunities and social well-being within the Seneca community.
Notable Figures and Cultural Heritage
The Allegany Indian Reservation has produced individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. One notable figure is Sanford Plummer, a renowned artist known for his paintings that capture the beauty and spirit of Seneca culture.
The Seneca people, known as the "Keeper of the Western Door" within the Iroquois Confederacy, hold a significant place in Haudenosaunee history and tradition. Their role as guardians of the western frontier reflects their strategic importance in maintaining the Confederacy’s territorial integrity. The Seneca are also known as the "Great Hill People," a name that speaks to their connection to the land and their deep-rooted cultural heritage.
The Seneca Nation of Indians: Economic Development and Sovereignty
The Seneca Nation of Indians is a federally recognized sovereign nation with a population of over 8,000 enrolled members. The Nation is a major economic force in Western New York, employing thousands of individuals and investing hundreds of millions of dollars to bolster the region’s economy.
The Seneca Nation operates three Class III gaming casinos: the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, New York; the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca, New York; and the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in Buffalo, New York. These casinos provide employment opportunities for both Seneca and non-Seneca residents and generate significant revenue for the Nation, which is used to fund essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
The Seneca people maintain a deep connection to their ancestral lands in Western New York. After preserving two territories – the Allegany Indian Reservation and the Cattaraugus Reservation – the Seneca Nation developed its own constitution and elective form of government, officially becoming the Seneca Nation of Indians in 1848. This marked a significant step towards self-determination and the assertion of their sovereign rights.
The Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842 stands as a cornerstone of the Seneca Nation’s legal framework, guaranteeing the Nation’s right to the full use and enjoyment of the Allegany Indian Reservation and the Cattaraugus Reservation in perpetuity. This treaty, along with other agreements and legal precedents, underscores the Seneca Nation’s inherent sovereignty and its right to govern its own affairs.
The Allegany Indian Reservation serves as a living testament to the resilience, cultural richness, and enduring sovereignty of the Seneca Nation of Indians. Despite historical challenges and ongoing socioeconomic issues, the Seneca people continue to thrive, preserving their traditions, strengthening their economy, and asserting their rights as a sovereign nation within the United States.