The United States has always been an abode for prominent figures, as its diverse history is a testament for centuries. Native American history is filled with remarkable historical figures, their legacies and their fascinating kinship that fosters their values, rich culture and interests. These individuals had accomplished so much against their rivals that remain unsung today i-e Mexicans, Britishers and Their counterparts. Although, the history is rich with key facts about every tribe and their native leaders. But, only a few people are aware of the historical figures who were Native Americans.
To rectify this, we will put the spotlight on the 10 greatest Native American leaders and chiefs, who played significant roles in shaping the world’s history:
10) Victorio:
Source: Wikipedia
Victorio was a fearless leader of the Apache tribe, born in 1809 in today’s New Mexico. During his time, the US military was snatching the land from Native American tribes. This led to a chaotic situation and crisis for the innocent people. As a result of the atrocities, Victorio vowed to become a skillful leader. His blood was filled with rage causing him to evade the US forces.
After the negotiations, he accepted the land for his tribe but it was unsuitable to live and infertile. He called it “Hell’s Forty Acres” and decided to move his tribe. In 1880, Victorio was killed by Mexican troops in the Tres Castillo’s Mountain.
9) Chief Cornstalk:
Source: Wikipedia
Chief Cornstalk was born around 1720 in Pennsylvania. He was a prominent leader of the Shawnee. The Shawnee people had conflict with the white settlers due to their violent tendencies. This led Cornstalk to relocate to Ohio. He fought in the war of Lord Dunmore and was defeated. As a result, the land of Shawnees was ceased. When he asked for the rights of his tribe. The vengeful colonists took Cornstalk captive and murdered him.
According to folklore, the Cornstalk’s placed a curse on captivated land. This caused the appearance of “Mothman” a flying creature that destroyed the cornstalk and fertile lands. This miracle sang the legacy of Chief Cornstalk.
8) Black Hawk:
Source: Wikipedia
Black Hawk was born in 1767, in Virginia. He was a prominent leader of the Sauk Tribe. He took an active part in struggles against colonists to protect his land and heritage. He joined the British army in the War of 1812, earning him the title of “British Band”.
Under a disputed and pseudo treaty, the Sauk land was captured by colonists. Black Hawk refused to accept the treaty and became rebellious. In 1832, Black Hawk led a revolt against the colonisers for their injustice. This led to the killing of two-thirds of the population of his tribe causing disgrace among his tribe. He spent his later life alone and dictated his autobiography which speaks of his legacy in history.
7) Tecumseh:
Source: Wikipedia
Tecumseh was born in Ohio around 1768. He was a Shawnee War leader. His only motive was to protect his people and fight for freedom. He was relocated to Indiana where he formed a group of young leaders and mentored them.
Tecumseh’s younger brother, the Prophet, was granted spiritual authority. This led to more spiritual influence on his Shawnee tribe and the Union of all the Native American tribes. Their settlement was named “Prophetstown”. Unfortunately, a tragic accident struck which killed nearly everyone in Prophetstown. Tecumseh was enraged by the atrocious treatment by the US leading him to fight against them. In 1813, he met his eternal fate as he fought with courage at the Battle of Thames.
6) Geronimo:
Source: Wikipedia
Geronimo was the most iconic Native American Leader born in 1829. He belonged to the Apache tribes. His life was not a bed of roses as the Mexican army killed his wife and children causing him fueling him with deep rage. Geronimo and the people of the Apache tribes were forcibly relocated to the barren land of Arizona. This caused Geronimo to lead breakouts in the US Army. His tribe rooted for him and called him a “legend”.
But, he surrendered in 1886 followed by many imprisonments. He took his case in front of President Theodore Roosevelt but failed to convince them. Unfortunately, the regret of surrender killed him in 1909.
5) Crazy Horse:
Source: Wikipedia
Crazy Horse was born around 1840, in South Dakota. He was the leader of the Oglala Sioux. According to historians, due to his exceptional fighting skills, his father gave him the title of “Crazy Horse”. The conflicts between Sioux and Americans fueled him with deep rage against the Americans. He fought in several wars against the Americans, the most notable of them was the Battle of Little Bighorn.
Despite his strong skills and victories, he surrendered himself in 1877. The legacy of this strong warrior symbolizes the resilience in history.
4) Chief Seattle:
Source: Wikipedia
Chief Seattle was born in 1790, in present-day Washington. He belonged to a unique tribe which made him distinctive in history. He welcomed the different tribes and settlers in 1850 and established a colony named “Seattle”, which still exists in his honor.
The tension arose as local tribes resisted the settlers and it started the conflict. Chief’s wisdom helped his people to stop the displacement as it would only enforce the violence. His words of wisdom helped the tribals understand peace and freedom.
3) Cochise:
Source: Wikipedia
The history has mentioned only little about Cochise. His birthdate remains unknown. It’s only known that he was the leader of the Chiricahua tribe. He led many raids against Mexican and American forces. His attacks on the US cost him a lot of bloodshed for the people of his tribes. Fortunately, as a result of the rage and freedom fight, he was finally offered a piece of land for his people in Arizona. Unfortunately, Cochise didn’t live long to see the fruits of his labour and died in 1874.
2) Sitting Bull:
Source: Wikipedia
Sitting Bull was born in 1831, in South Dakota. He was leader of Hunkpapa Lakota. He was a passionate warrior as he started his first raid at the age of 14 years. His bravery and determination earned him recognition and respect among the people of his tribe. He later became the leader of all Lakota tribes.
He also played a significant role in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In the aftermath of the war, he fled to Canada. However, due to the injustice and violence against his tribe, he forcefully returned to negotiate with the US Army. Sitting Bull was fatally shot in the head after he helped his tribes with the settlements. He was a spiritual guide for the people of his tribe.
1) Mangas Coloradas:
Source: Wikipedia
Mangas Coloradas was a leader of the Apache tribes. He took leadership in 1837, waging war against Mexico and the nearby towns. During the US-Mexico war, Mangas saw an opportunity for his tribes and joined the Americans for alliance. The truce was signed but the discovery of silver and gold in the region led to betrayal. This caused the Mangas to be killed under pretenses. After his death, the successors began to start revenge against their enemies.
Among the successes, the name of Geronimo and his nephew is highlighted in history. This gave power to Apache tribes to crush anyone who came in their path of freedom. Manga’s legacy continues to resonate in history, commanding for the people’s rights and resilience against injustice.