The Indian tribes of the Pacific Northwest, on both the Coast and the inland Plateau, were the last to encounter white traders and settlers. When contact occurred in the late 18th century the explorers and traders found two distinct cultures. The fairly recent adoption of the horse had opened up the Plateau tribes to influences from the peoples of the Plains; but the tribes of the Coast lived in a very different culture of rigid class hierarchies, an economy based on fishing and hunting

1800-1899, History, Indians of North America, Indians of North America Northwest, Pacific History 19th century, Indians of North America Northwest, Pacific Social life and customs 19th century, Indians of North America Social life and customs, Indians of North America Warfare, Indians of North America Warfare Northwest, Pacific History 19th century

Introduction - description of area, and Coastal and Plateau cultures; Listing of tribes, with relationships; Daily life - social structures, fishing and hunting economy; Ceremonial and religious culture; Warfare in the North West - dress, weapons, warpaint - raiding tactics, by canoe on Coast and on horseback on Plateau; Campaigns from 1840s to 1880s, particularly 1875 Modoc War (Captain Jack) and 1877 Nez Perce War (Chief Joseph and Looking Glass)