Atakapa

The Atakapa or Atacapa were an Indigenous people of the Southeastern Woodlands, who spoke the Atakapa language and historically lived along the Gulf of Mexico in what is now Texas and Louisiana.

They included several distinct bands. They spoke the Atakapa language, which is a linguistic isolate.

After 1762, when Louisiana was transferred to Spain following French defeat in the Seven Years' War. In 1850, Chief Ló, the last recognized central leader of the Atakapa people died. After his death, the Atakapa did not appoint a successor chief, leading to decentralization of tribal political governance. Survivors generally joined the Caddo, Koasati, and other neighboring peoples, although they kept some traditions. Some culturally distinct Atakapan descendants survived into the early 20th century. There are several unrecognized tribes who identify as having descent from the Atakapa.