he Choctaw Indians have inhabited the Mississippi region since the pre-Columbian era. The Choctaws were considered one of the “Five Civilized Tribes” because of their desire to adopt European practices into the Choctaw culture. The Choctaw Indians were continuously loyal to the United States during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812, but sadly were subjected to the removal policies of the U.S. during the 1830s. Most of the Choctaw left Mississippi and other Southern states on the tragic Trail of Tears, but many Choctaw decided to stay and try assimilation into American culture and life. The Choctaws are split into two distinct branches: the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Both groups faced discrimination and poverty after the Civil War until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Today, the Choctaws continue many of their culture practices and have several successful business ventures, including casinos in both Oklahoma and Mississippi.