History

The Creator's Game
Lacrosse originated in North America and was played among many of the Native American Tribes.  It was played as a part of their religion and deemed "The Creator's Game".  Before games, there were religious rituals where the players were prepared for the game by conjurers. So whether their team lost or won was decided by "The Creator".
    There are many reasons why the Native Americans played lacrosse.  The most prominent reason was to resolve territorial disputes among tribes.  However, as shown in the 1790 game, Creek versus Coctaw, the end of the game resulted in a violent battle even though the Creek tribe won fair and square.  Because of the game's violent nature, lacrosse was also used to prepare young men for war. (see picture)

Native Americans played lacrosse much differently than the "civilized" version that we play today.  Up to 1,000 players could play on a field that was 15 miles in length.  While games could last for days on end.  However, the same basic concept was the same; use your stick to get your ball to the goal.

    The Lacrosse sticks were like a cane with a net webbing from the top to the middle.  The ball was usually deerskin and sometimes a rock, wood, or baked clay.  The goal could be two sticks shoved in the ground or sometimes a large rock or tree.

The Europeans Discover Lacrosse
    In the 1600's, a French Missionary saw Native Americans playing the notorious sport.  North American immigrants picked up on the sport and by 1867, Dr. William George Beers' club played with set rules.  Lacrosse eventually evolved into the lacrosse that we know today.  Please see the "Rules" section for information on current men's lacrosse rules.

Sources
www.uslacrosse.org article "Get The Facts About Lacrosse"
"History of Native American Lacrosse" by Thomas Vennum Jr.