They numbered in the tens of thousands and were concentrated in and around Robeson County, especially along the Lumber River.

They had churches, schools, veterans, farmers, professionals, political leaders, families, and community institutions built over generations.

North Carolina had formally recognized the tribe in 1885, but the fight over federal status continued.

By 1958, Lumbee identity was not fragile inside the community.

The people knew who they were.

The uncertainty came from governments and outsiders.

That distinction would matter enormously when the Klan arrived.

A People Repeatedly Renamed From The Outside

The Lumbee struggle for recognition has a long history because federal and state institutions repeatedly tried to classify the Native people of Robeson County through changing names and legal categories.

In different eras, the community was labeled in different ways by governments.