Notes on the Iroquois: or, Contributions to the Statistics, Aboriginal History, Antiquities and General Ethnology of Western New-York

"Notes on the Iroquois" by Henry Rowe Schoolcraft is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work serves as a detailed exploration of the Iroquois people, focusing on their statistics, history, and ethnology in the context of Western New York. Schoolcraft aims to fill gaps in the understanding of the Iroquois' past, particularly their history before European contact and their socio-political organization, while also reflecting on their interactions with colonial powers. At the start of the text, Schoolcraft presents the purpose of documenting the Iroquois' historical background, demographics, and cultural practices, as mandated by a census undertaken in 1845. He introduces essential themes, including the challenges faced by the Iroquois in preserving their identity and navigating relationships with European settlers. The opening portion touches on various aspects of their culture, including a discussion on their traditional governance, wartime exploits, and the significance of their ancestral lands, while expressing a desire to further uncover the intricate details of their rich heritage and complex society.