Native American lacrosse was frequently played on a two-mile-long length of land using sticks made of wood and animal skin that were 3 to 5 feet long. A game might include between 100 and 1000 players at any given moment. George Catlin, an artist, was fascinated with Native Americans and their way of life. He traveled with a group of Indians for several years and painted many pictures that still exist today. Lacrosse is one of the oldest sports in North America. The first evidence of its existence comes from 1634, when William Vaughan introduced it into England as "lax". It became popular among British soldiers and lasted until 1829, when it disappeared forever from public view. In Europe, lacrosse survived only in Russia. In 1712, Russian soldiers brought the sport to Alaska. It has been played there ever since. Today, Alaskan Natives use the stick to play a similar game called "ukiyu". There are different theories about how lacrosse came to America. One theory says that French Canadians brought it with them when they settled in Nova Scotia. Another theory claims that Dutch settlers in New York City invented the game. Yet another theory says that Native Americans invented it before Europeans arrived in North America. Whatever its origin may be, nobody knows for sure how or when it reached Native Americans.