Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Blackhawk - War Chief of the Sac and Fox Tribe

BLACK HAWK, PAINTING BY CHARLES BIRD KING "Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak, Black Sparrow Hawk, or Black Hawk (1767-1838), of the Sac and Fox was a member of the Thunder Clan, the same clan as Jim Thorpe. Thorpe grew up hearing stories of his famous clan ancestor, who was not only an important chief but renowned as a great athlete. The most famous of all Sac and Fox leaders, Black Hawk led a tragic and unsuccessful attempt to reclaim his people's traditional lands in 1832, in what became known as the Black Hawk War. His own account, Life of Black Hawk, which outlined his people's grievances, was dictated to an interpreter. Published in 1834, it became a best seller."