History of Lacrosse
Past Versions of “The Medicine Game”
The history of lacrosse, often hailed as North America’s oldest team sport, is a rich one in cultural and spiritual significance to Indigenous peoples. It originated among Native American tribes, particularly in the Great Lakes region of the Southeastern US. Lacrosse went by many names, such as “tewaarathon” by the Iroquois which means “little brother of war”, or “Baaga`adowe” by the Ojibwe translating to “bump hips”. The game held great cultural and spiritual significance, often played to resolve conflicts, heal the sick, and prepare warriors for battle. The original game could involve hundreds of players with goals set miles apart and matches lasting several days. Today, it is still revered as “The Medicine Game” for its spiritual and healing properties.
European settlers encountered lacrosse in the 17th century and were captivated by its speed and complexity. In 1637, French Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf documented a version of the game played by the Huron tribe. He referred to it as “la crosse” due to the shape of the players’ sticks resembling a bishop’s crosier. This early encounter laid the groundwork for the sport’s adaptation and eventual codification in the 19th century.
Old Lacrosse Becomes New: Modern History of Lacrosse
By the mid-1800s, the history of lacrosse began to evolve into the version recognized today where it gained popularity among both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada. In 1867, Montreal’s Lacrosse Club established the first formal rules which helped standardize the game. The sport’s governance took a significant step forward in 1880 with the formation of the Canadian Lacrosse Association, leading to the establishment of championships and organized leagues.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw lacrosse spread beyond Canada and into the United States. It was introduced at schools and colleges, becoming particularly popular in the Mid-Atlantic region. The establishment of collegiate leagues in the early 1900s solidified its status as an important athletic endeavor.
Two primary forms emerged as the sport evolved: field lacrosse and box lacrosse. Field lacrosse became popular in the U.S. and Canada and was played outdoors on a grass field. Box lacrosse on the other hand gained a following in Canada at first and was played indoors in smaller arenas. The creation of professional leagues further propelled the sport into the mainstream, attracting diverse audiences and fostering international competition. There are now two leagues, one for each form of the sport. The National Lacrosse League (NLL) serves as the indoor league, and the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) serves as the outdoor league .
Lacrosse is renowned today for its exciting, fast-paced gameplay and rich Indigenous heritage. The sport has achieved global recognition, with national teams vying at the World Lacrosse Championships. As its popularity and inclusivity expand, lacrosse bridges its storied past with a vibrant future, celebrating tradition while delivering the exhilaration of athletic competition.