North America's Game
Lacrosse is the oldest sport in North America was originated by Native American tribes relating to their religion. At this time it was exclusively a male sport. It was played resolve conflicts, heal the sick, and make men stronger. The sport was also played as war, with both sides fighting to the death. There could be 1000 players on each side and the playing field was 15 miles long.
The earliest documentation of lacrosse was in 1636 by Missionary Jean de Brebeuf in Huron, which is now close to Ontario, Canada. This information on lacrosse mainly informs on team size, length of games, and equipment used. There is not a lot of information on the rules, game strategy, or stick use of the players. There are many conflicting documents on the original game of lacrosse by different Europeans who came to America, so there is not much real evidence on what the game was truly like at this time. However, Native American lacrosse was better documented mid-nineteenth century. The earliest sticks that have survived are from 1800-1825. The French who came to North America started playing in 1800.
http://www.uslacrosse.org/the_sport/index.phtml
The earliest documentation of lacrosse was in 1636 by Missionary Jean de Brebeuf in Huron, which is now close to Ontario, Canada. This information on lacrosse mainly informs on team size, length of games, and equipment used. There is not a lot of information on the rules, game strategy, or stick use of the players. There are many conflicting documents on the original game of lacrosse by different Europeans who came to America, so there is not much real evidence on what the game was truly like at this time. However, Native American lacrosse was better documented mid-nineteenth century. The earliest sticks that have survived are from 1800-1825. The French who came to North America started playing in 1800.
http://www.uslacrosse.org/the_sport/index.phtml
http://laxfu.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/creatorsgame.jpg?w=300&h=276