Why did we spell it “Katawba?
The spelling of Catawba has seen many varioations throughout the history of the area. until about 1700, the Indians living along the river were generally called “Esaws.” After 1700, the name for the Catawbas was variously spelled Kadapu, Kadapaw, Kataba, Katawba, Katoba, Katawa, Kithuhwa, and Cuttanba. Later, the spelling commonly used today, Catawba, became standard usage. One of the generally accepted meanings of the word is “People of the River.” We have chosen the name “Katawba Valley Land Trust” to honor the heritage of the Catawba Indians and the beautiful river valley they have called home for centuries.
