Native American tribe closely related to the Modoc tribe with which it forms the independent Klamath-Modoc linguistic family and of the California-Intermountain culture area.

At the time of first contact with United States settlers, in the early 19th century, the tribal population was somewhat less than 2000. Its members, scattered over a territory in southeastern and central Oregon, lived in earthen lodges in small villages, each with its own leader and shaman.

They subsisted by fishing, hunting waterfowl, and gathering edible roots.

In 1864 the tribe signed a treaty with the U.S. government that established the land around Upper Klamath Lake as the Klamath Indian Reservation.

The Klamath adapted to new ways, taking up farming, raising livestock, and logging on their forestlands.

Although many joined the Methodist church, certain aspects of their native religion still exist.

In 1954 the government ended its trust relationship over the reservation. The lands were then sold and the proceeds distributed to some former residents.

In 1980 the federal government awarded an additional $81 million to some 600 members of the tribe to settle claims on the land.

In 1990 3097 people identified themselves as Klamath, with the majority still living on the former reservation lands.

"Klamath (people)" Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2000 http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.