When was lacrosse invented. Where did lacrosse originate. Who created the modern version of lacrosse. How has lacrosse evolved over time. What are the major professional lacrosse leagues today.
The Ancient Roots of Lacrosse in Native American Culture
Lacrosse boasts a rich history deeply rooted in Native American traditions, with its origins dating back to as early as 1100 AD. This ancient sport held significant importance in Native American societies, serving multiple purposes beyond mere recreation.
Why was lacrosse so important to Native Americans?
Lacrosse played a crucial role in various aspects of Native American life:
- Settling disputes between tribes
- Training warriors for combat
- Recreational activities
- Religious and spiritual ceremonies
- Festivals and celebrations
- Gambling and betting
These games were major events, often lasting several days and involving hundreds of players. The spiritual significance of lacrosse in Native American culture was so profound that it earned the name “The Creator’s Game.”
Early Lacrosse Equipment
How did Native Americans craft their lacrosse equipment?
The early lacrosse gear was entirely handmade using natural materials:
- Balls: Carved from wood or made from deerskin stuffed with hair
- Sticks: Wooden frames carved to cradle the ball
- Netting: Woven from wattup plant fibers or deer sinew
This rudimentary equipment laid the foundation for the modern lacrosse gear we see today.
The European Discovery and Spread of Lacrosse
When did Europeans first encounter lacrosse?
The first documented European encounter with lacrosse occurred in 1637 when French Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf observed a game being played in present-day Ontario, Canada. He named the sport “la crosse,” meaning “the stick” in French, which eventually evolved into the name we use today.
How did lacrosse spread beyond North America?
Following its discovery by European settlers, lacrosse gradually gained popularity in various parts of the world:
- Canada: Became a national sport
- United States: Gained traction, especially in the Mid-Atlantic states
- Australia: Adopted and developed its own lacrosse culture
- New Zealand: Embraced the sport and integrated it into local sporting traditions
By the 1800s and early 1900s, lacrosse had established a strong presence in the English-speaking world, with numerous men’s clubs forming across these countries.
The Birth of Women’s Lacrosse
When did women start playing lacrosse?
Women’s lacrosse emerged later than the men’s game but quickly gained its own following:
- 1890: Introduction of women’s lacrosse in Scotland
- 1926: Establishment of the first women’s lacrosse club in the United States at Bryn Mawr School in Maryland
The development of women’s lacrosse marked a significant milestone in the sport’s history, opening up new avenues for female athletes and contributing to the overall growth of the game.
The Evolution of Box Lacrosse
What is box lacrosse and how did it originate?
Box lacrosse is a variant of the traditional field game played indoors, typically in ice hockey rinks with the ice removed. This version of the sport emerged in Canada during the 1930s, driven by the desire to create a faster-paced, more intense version of lacrosse that could be played year-round.
The birth of box lacrosse led to the formation of the first box lacrosse league in Canada, setting the stage for future professional indoor lacrosse competitions.
The Rise of Professional Lacrosse Leagues
As lacrosse continued to grow in popularity, several professional leagues emerged to showcase the sport at its highest level. These leagues have played a crucial role in elevating the profile of lacrosse and providing opportunities for players to compete professionally.
National Lacrosse League (NLL)
What is the National Lacrosse League?
The National Lacrosse League is the premier professional box lacrosse league in North America. Its history can be traced back to 1986 when the Major Indoor Lacrosse League was founded. In 1997, the league was reconstituted under its current name.
Key facts about the NLL:
- 14 teams across the United States and Canada
- Three divisions: North, East, and West
- Teams include established franchises like the Buffalo Bandits and Toronto Rock
- Newest addition: Panther City Lacrosse Club in Fort Worth, TX (joining in 2021)
Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
How did Major League Lacrosse impact the sport?
Major League Lacrosse, founded in 1999, played a significant role in popularizing professional field lacrosse. The league began play in 2001 with six teams and experienced various expansions and contractions over the years.
Notable developments in MLL history:
- 2006: Addition of four new teams (Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, San Francisco)
- 2008: Closure of four teams due to financial issues
- 2011-2016: Expansion to new markets including North Carolina, Ohio, and Atlanta
- 2019: Restructuring, with three teams ceasing operations
Despite its longevity, MLL faced challenges in providing competitive salaries and benefits to players, with most athletes needing to work multiple jobs to sustain their careers.
Premier Lacrosse League (PLL)
What makes the Premier Lacrosse League unique?
The Premier Lacrosse League, launched in 2019 by lacrosse star Paul Rabil, represents the newest iteration of professional field lacrosse. The PLL introduced several innovative concepts to the sport:
- Tour-based schedule: Teams travel to 12 different cities over a 14-week season
- Improved player compensation: Higher salaries, health care benefits, and league equity
- Non-geographic team names: Clubs like Archers, Atlas, and Chaos instead of city-based franchises
The PLL’s inaugural season featured six teams, with the Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club claiming the first championship. In 2020, the league expanded to include a seventh team, the Waterdogs Lacrosse Club.
The Global Expansion of Lacrosse
How has lacrosse grown internationally?
While lacrosse originated in North America, it has steadily gained popularity around the world. The sport’s global expansion has been driven by several factors:
- International competitions and tournaments
- Cultural exchanges and exhibitions
- Grassroots development programs
- Increased media coverage and exposure
Today, lacrosse is played competitively in numerous countries across six continents, with national teams participating in world championships organized by World Lacrosse, the sport’s international governing body.
Lacrosse in the Olympics
Will lacrosse become an Olympic sport?
Efforts are underway to include lacrosse in future Olympic Games. The sport was previously featured as a medal event in the 1904 and 1908 Olympics, and as a demonstration sport in 1928, 1932, and 1948. World Lacrosse is actively working towards securing a place for lacrosse in upcoming Olympic programs, with hopes of reintroducing the sport to the world’s biggest sporting stage.
The Impact of Technology on Modern Lacrosse
How has technology changed the game of lacrosse?
Advancements in technology have significantly influenced various aspects of modern lacrosse:
- Equipment design: Lighter, stronger materials for sticks and protective gear
- Training tools: Video analysis software and wearable devices for performance tracking
- Game analysis: Advanced statistics and analytics to inform strategy and player evaluation
- Fan engagement: Enhanced broadcast technologies and social media integration
- Youth development: Online resources and virtual coaching platforms
These technological innovations have not only improved player performance and safety but also enhanced the overall spectator experience, contributing to the sport’s growing popularity.
The Future of Lacrosse: Challenges and Opportunities
What lies ahead for the sport of lacrosse?
As lacrosse continues to evolve, it faces both challenges and opportunities:
Challenges:
- Increasing participation rates in non-traditional markets
- Addressing the cost barriers associated with equipment and league fees
- Balancing tradition with innovation in rules and gameplay
- Competing for attention in a crowded sports landscape
Opportunities:
- Expansion of professional leagues and increased media coverage
- Growth of lacrosse programs in schools and universities
- Development of new variations of the game to attract diverse audiences
- Potential inclusion in future Olympic Games
- Leveraging technology for improved player development and fan engagement
The future of lacrosse looks promising, with continued growth expected both in North America and internationally. As the sport’s governing bodies, leagues, and stakeholders work together to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities, lacrosse is poised to reach new heights in the coming years.
The Cultural Significance of Lacrosse in Modern Society
How does lacrosse impact contemporary culture?
While lacrosse has evolved significantly from its Native American origins, it continues to hold cultural importance in modern society:
- Community building: Lacrosse programs foster social connections and teamwork
- Educational opportunities: The sport provides pathways to college scholarships
- Cultural exchange: International competitions promote cross-cultural understanding
- Health and fitness: Lacrosse encourages physical activity and healthy lifestyles
- Economic impact: Professional leagues and tournaments contribute to local economies
Furthermore, efforts are being made to reconnect the sport with its Indigenous roots, honoring the cultural heritage of lacrosse while promoting its modern incarnation.
Lacrosse in Popular Culture
How is lacrosse represented in media and entertainment?
As lacrosse gains popularity, its presence in popular culture has increased:
- Films and documentaries featuring lacrosse themes
- Inclusion of lacrosse storylines in TV shows and books
- Video games incorporating lacrosse gameplay
- Celebrity endorsements and partnerships with lacrosse brands
- Social media influencers promoting the sport
This increased visibility in popular culture helps to introduce lacrosse to new audiences and solidify its place in the broader sports landscape.
In conclusion, the journey of lacrosse from its ancient Native American origins to its current status as a growing global sport is a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability. As it continues to evolve and face new challenges, lacrosse remains a dynamic and exciting sport with a bright future ahead.
Blog – History of Men’s Lacrosse
What is the history of lacrosse?
Lacrosse is one of the oldest team sports in America. Lacrosse history goes back as early as 1100AD where it was played by Native Americans in North America. The origin of lacrosse has a rich history in the Native American cultures.
Who invented Lacrosse?
Todays lacrosse game is based on the games that were invented by Native Americans. It was referred to as “The Creator’s Game.” American Indian lacrosse had important connections to religious, cultural, and spiritual life. These games were big events and some of would last as long as several days. Lacrosse had many different purposes. Games were played to settle disputes, train in combat, recreation, parts of festivals, to settle bets, or religious reasons. Early lacrosse equipment was hand made. Balls were made from wood or deerskin stuffed with hair. Lacrosse sticks were made from wood carved to hold the ball or netting made from wattup or deer sinew.
Where did lacrosse originate? Where was lacrosse invented?
The origins of lacrosse can be traced back to North America. A French Jesuit missionary, Jean de Brébeuf saw it played in 1637 in present day Ontario and called the game la crosse, “the stick” in French. It became popular in Canada, United States, Australia, and New Zealand. In the 1800s and 1900s lacrosse was predominately played in the Mid-Atlantic states, especially New York and Maryland.
When did lacrosse start?
Lacrosse goes back as early as 1100AD where it was played by the Native Americans and Aboriginal Canadians. By 1900 there were many men’s clubs across the English speaking world. Women’s lacrosse was introduced in Scotland in 1890 and the first women’s club in the US was started at Bryn Mawr School (Maryland) in 1926.
National Lacrosse League
Newer versions of the game, like box lacrosse, background comes from the traditional games. Box lacrosse started in Canada in the 1930s with the formation of the first box lacrosse league.
In 1986 the Major Indoor Lacrosse League was founded. It ran until 1997 when the league was reconstituted with a new name, the NLL, National Lacrosse League, is the men’s professional box lacrosse league. It now has teams across the United States and Canada. It now consists of 14 teams with three divisions, North, East, West. The Buffalo Bandits, Halifax Thunderbirds, Rochester Knighthawks, Toronto Rock make up the North. Georgia Swarm, New England Black Wolves, New York Riptide, Philadelphia Wings in the East. Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Vancouver Warriors. The newest team to join the league is the Panther City Lacrosse Club in Fort Worth, TX for the 2021 season.
Major League Lacrosse
The professional field game became popular with the founding of Major League Lacrosse, MLL, in 1999. Major League Lacrosse began play in 2001 consisting of six teams. Boston, Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Long Island made up the American Division.
Baltimore, New Jersey, and Rochester made up the National Division. In 2006 the MLL added four teams, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco. In 2008 Los Angeles, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and San Francisco teams were shut down due to money and poor attendance. In 2011 North Carolina and Ohio added expansion teams. In 2014 the Hamilton Nationals folded and became the Florida Launch. Atlanta became the ninth team to join in 2016. In 2018 The Rattlers relocated to Dallas from New York. In 2019 the MLL announced that the Charlotte Hounds, Florida Launch, and Ohio Machine were not playing in the 2019 season. Although the MLL was one of the longest running and most famous field lacrosse leagues, most of the players in the league had to work multiple jobs. The salary range in the MLL was between $10,000 and $25,000 with no benefits. However, after newer competition in field lacrosse they stated the intent to raise the salary range by 51%.
Premier Lacrosse League
In 2018 Paul Rabil announced he would be starting a new professional league.
The newest iteration of professional lacrosse began in 2019 with the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). The PLL would be a direct field lacrosse competitor to Major League Lacrosse. The PLL promised its players salaries, health care, and league equity. Unlike the MLL, the PLL did not base its teams in specific cities across the country. Rather it employed a 14 week tour based schedule in 12 cities. All teams traveled and played in a new city during the weekend. The 2019 PLL season began with 6 teams. Archers Lacrosse Club, Atlas Lacrosse Club, Chaos Lacrosse Club, Chrome Lacrosse Club, Redwoods Lacrosse Club, and Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club. The 2019 PLL season ended with the Whipsnakes LC winning the Championship 12-11 (OT) against the Redwoods LC. In 2020 an expansion brought the Waterdogs Lacrosse Club into the PLL for the 2020 season. With the onset of COVID 19, the PLL shifted its season to a bubble format. The Whipsnakes LC eventually won the 2020 Championship 12-6 against the Chaos LC.
The Indigenous origins of lacrosse – The Varsity
JESSICA LAM/THE VARSITY
In 1994, lacrosse officially became Canada’s national summer sport. The sport of lacrosse does not originate from European colonizers. Rather, Indigenous peoples invented and played the sport, albeit with different rules, even before the arrival of Europeans to North America.
Lacrosse was played by many different Indigenous communities who had their own versions of the game with varied names. The first Europeans who observed tewaarathon — a Mohawk term for the game that would later be known as lacrosse — reported that it did not resemble any sport they had seen before. Early versions of the sport are very different from how modern lacrosse is played. Much of the rules of modern lacrosse were invented later on by European settlers after they adopted lacrosse from Indigenous peoples.
In fact, European settlers’ initial observations — that lacrosse looked similar to war — might not be far from the truth.
Indigenous peoples often used lacrosse games to settle disagreements between groups. During these games, entire valleys could be filled with hundreds of players for a single game. It was believed by the Haudenosaunee that the Creator would watch the game enthusiastically, soaking in the fun.
And since lacrosse was a gift from the Creator, playing lacrosse meant that the Haudenosaunee could show appreciation and give thanks toward the Creator for their gift. In conjunction with this tradition, the Haudenosaunee lacrosse games were also played before a medicine person who was looking for a way to treat a sick person, in hopes that the Creator would see the appreciation and in turn guide the medicine person to the right treatments for the sick.
Despite Indigenous cultures’ strong connections to the sport, why is it that people do not automatically associate the sport of lacrosse with Indigenous peoples? The answer, as with many things, is colonization. The erasure of the Indigenous histories of lacrosse is just one of the ways Indigenous cultures were stolen through colonization.
In 1860, the first iteration of modern lacrosse was created by the dentist and lacrosse enthusiast Dr. William George Beers. However, in the rulebooks that he wrote for the game, he included a rule forbidding Indigenous peoples from playing for white lacrosse clubs, “unless previously agreed upon.”
Additionally, in 1880, Indigenous players were barred from championship competitions when The National Lacrosse Association became an amateur organization. Despite the fact that they were the creators of the sport, it wasn’t until over one hundred years later that the Iroquois National Lacrosse Team was given membership in the Federation of International Lacrosse — now known as World Lacrosse — and allowed to compete in international competitions.
So the next time you come across a game of lacrosse on the back campus fields or catch a game on the television, you should remember that this sport has a rich history within Indigenous cultures — and it is up to all fans of the game to continually remind the world of this fact.
On August 20, 1619, the era of slavery began in North America
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On August 20, 1619, a Dutch ship delivered the first 20 Africans to America, who were sold into slavery to the inhabitants of the Jamestown settlement in Virginia. This event marked the beginning of the British and American transatlantic slave trade.
The system of slavery that developed in North America was based on economic reasons: rice, tobacco and other plantations needed laborers. As a labor force, they began to use dark-skinned slaves, who were forcibly taken out of Africa. Most of them were from the tribes of West Africa. Representatives of Central, North, South Africa and the island of Madagascar found themselves in the New World relatively infrequently. So, in the middle of the 19th century, the number of black slaves in the United States reached about 4 million people.
Their exploitation played an important role in the development of American capitalism.
The mass importation of slaves to America began in the 17th century. James Town, founded in 1609, became the first permanent settlement of the colonists. In 1619, the colonists acquired the first batch of slaves of Angolan origin. De jure, Africans were not slaves, but only had long-term contracts without the right to terminate. And it is from these events in historiography that the beginning of slavery in America is counted. However, the contract system did not last long. The colonies began to pass laws that reduced blacks to the status of slaves: in Massachusetts, in 1641, the service life of Africans was replaced by life; in 1661, Virginia passed a law on the inheritance of slavery from mother to children. Similar laws were gradually adopted in other states.
In 1672, London introduced a state monopoly on the black slave trade. At the end of the 17th century, the English Parliament allowed private individuals to sell slaves, and at the beginning of the next century, Britain became one of the countries most actively involved in the slave trade.
Gradually, trading posts began to appear along the entire western coast of Africa, trading in slaves. The British created an agency of slave traders in Africa. Tribal leaders sold their fellow tribesmen or raided neighboring tribes and traded captives. Soon the share of slaves in the population of some American colonies exceeded 40%. In the northern colonies, dark-skinned slaves were more often used as domestic servants or laborers, in the southern colonies they were forced to work on plantations, growing indigo, tobacco and rice. At the same time, United States law treated slaves as movable property and protected the rights of slave owners.
However, during the period from 1663 to 1863, over 250 uprisings and conspiracies of black people were recorded. Slave uprisings were brutally suppressed. Then they began to express their protest in other forms: damage to tools, murder of overseers and owners, suicide and escapes.
Slavery had a huge impact on all aspects of life in the United States and became the prerequisite for the Civil War in 1861-1865, one of the results of which was the abolition of the institution of slavery.
