At the arrival of the colonists, the Native Americans were already inhabiting and securing some of the vastest areas in America. Being a peaceful people, they welcomed the new settlers, but soon, due to the diseases the latter brought along and the strong desire to claim the lands as their own, many of them perished and lost what they have cherished most. Nevertheless, there were a few who managed to stand out and fight against colonists in defending their own land, culture and traditions. Here is a list of such Native American heroes.
Hiawatha
Although there is little accurate information about Hiawatha or the historical events which he took part in, according to the story The Song of Hiawatha, written by Henry Wadworth Longfellow, Hiawatha was well known as a peacemaker and spiritual guide.
Pocahontas 1595-1617
The only resemblance between the real person and the Disney character, is that Pocahontas was a Native American woman who married and Englishman called John Rolfe. Daughter of Wahunsunacock, chief of almost all the tribes in Virginia, she chose to abandon her Native American heritage after choosing the English life and becoming famous in the last year of her life.
Sequoiah 1767-1843
The location of Sequoia’s birth and death are not precisely known due to historically incorrect writings, but he is known to have grown up with his mother in Tuskegee, Tennessee. Also known as George Guess, Gist or Guest, was a silversmith who created the Cherokee Syllabry, gaining a place among the inventors of similar writing systems.
Black Hawk 1767-1838
Black Hawk became famous as a War Chief, although his inheritance of a very important medicine bundle should have ensured him a traditional tribe chief position. His actual name, Makataimeshekiakiak means in Sauk tongue “be a large black hawk”. He became a powerful and feared opponent during the War of 1812; first he fought on the British side and then led a band of Sauk and Fox natives against the settlers in Illinois and Wisconsin, perishing in Iowa.
Sitting Bull 1831-1890
Sitting Bull was known as a medicine and holy man of the Sioux. Famous both in the Native American and American history for his victory at the Battle of Little Bighorn against Custer, his name remained imprinted in the Native American history, also being renowned for his premonition regarding the Natives victorious outcome.
Geronimo 1829-1909
Geronimo or “the one who yawns” was a prominent figure, a Native American leader of the Chiricahua Apache who fought against the US takeover of their tribal lands for a period of over 25 years. Geronimo was not actually a chief, but rather a military and spiritual leader, who also strictly followed the Apache tradition of having 6 wives.
