biographies library

Native Americans, such as Sitting Bull and Squanto, were important figures in American history. Here you can learn about Native Americans who have left a lasting impression in our history.

Featured Article: Cochise

Cochise , (1812?–1874), a chief of the Chiricahua Apache tribe. One of the most famous chieftains in American Indian history, he fought white settlers and soldiers in the Southwest during the so-called Apache Wars. See more »

Articles 21-27 of 27

Samoset

Samoset, (1590?–1655?), the Abnaki Indian chief who befriended the Pilgrims. In March, 1621, he appeared at Plymouth Colony, greeting the startled Pilgrims with “Welcome, Englishmen.” (He had learned a little of the language from English fishermen.) Samoset introduced the colonists to Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoags, and to an English-speaking Indian named Squanto.

Sequoya

Sequoya, or Sequoyah, (1770?–1843), a Cherokee Indian leader and scholar. In 12 years of work, 1809–21, he devised a syllabary (a system of writing in which characters represent the sound of syllables) for the Cherokee language, providing his tribe with a means to read and write what had been only a spoken language.

Sitting Bull

Sitting Bull (1834?–1890), a Sioux chief, warrior, and medicine man. He was the best-known Indian leader of his era because of his efforts to protect tribal lands, his leadership at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, and his appearances in the Wild West shows of Buffalo Bill (William Cody).