ABSTRACT
Scholars are uncertain about how many Indians lived in what is the United States when the first Europeans of record arrived. This chapter examines the population trends and factors behind the apparent Lumbee population explosion. The uniqueness of the Lumbees and the mystery of their origin call for a brief history of their evolution as an Indian tribe. The Lumbees do not live on reservation lands nor do they have a formal tribal government or tribal council. The uniqueness of the Lumbees and the mystery of their origin call for a brief history of their evolution as an Indian tribe. Unlike most other Indian groups, the Lumbee have been referred to by several names, none of which are completely satisfactory to the total population. Both in and out migration of the Lumbee population must also be considered. Lumbee historian Adolph Dial wrote that "almost all Lumbees call Robeson County home and expect to return to it someday."
