Friday, October 17, 2008
Historical Figure Post #1: Tecumseh
Tecumseh was a Shawnee Indian, born in the south, before the tribe was forced northward into the Ohio River Valley by white expansion in the south. He is considered by many historians as the greatest Pan-Indian leader in history. He was very unique in that he considered himself Indian first, Shawnee second. This was very different than the attitude of most Indian leaders. Unfortunately for them, they lacked the perspective needed to form a Pan-Indian movement, and thus whites were able to divide and conquer.
My 4th Great-Grandfather was a settler in frontier Indiana during the Indian conflicts in the Ohio River Valley around the turn of the 18th century. He was murdered by Indians who attacked his homestead in front of his family. I feel bad for him, but I feel worse for the Indians. Where had they originated? Maybe the east coast? For generations they were pushed west. I can't blame them for fighting back.