Big Red Meat facts for kids

Big Red Meat (in Comanche, Piarʉ Ekarʉhkapʉ, meaning "big red-meat" or "big red-food"; born around 1820-1825, died January 1, 1875) was an important Nokoni Comanche chief. He was a strong leader who fought against the expansion of American settlers onto Native American lands in the mid-1800s.

A Young Warrior's Rise

When he was young, Big Red Meat learned from respected Nokoni chiefs. He trained under Chief Huupi-pahati (Tall Tree) and his second-in-command, Quenah-evah (Eagle Drink). After Huupi-pahati passed away, Quenah-evah became the main chief. Big Red Meat grew up to be a skilled war leader. Many people believed he was the best fighter among the Nokoni people.

During the 1850s and 1860s, Big Red Meat became well-known among other Native American tribes in Texas. He was famous for his success in battles.

Leading the Fight

Big Red Meat became the second chief of the Nokoni after Quena-evah. This likely happened around 1866, when Horseback (Tʉhʉyakwahipʉ) became the head chief.

In 1867, Horseback signed the Medicine Lodge Treaty. This treaty was meant to bring peace. However, Big Red Meat led a group of Nokoni who did not want to give up their lands or way of life. He believed in fighting for their rights. Tahka (Arrowpoint), another war chief, joined Big Red Meat's group.

In 1868, raids by the Comanche and Kiowa tribes increased. This was because some leaders, like Guipago, had not signed the Medicine Lodge Treaty. Big Red Meat and his followers, along with Mow-way (a Kotsoteka chief) and Satanta (a Kiowa leader), led several raids in Texas. These actions showed their strong resistance.

Later that year, Big Red Meat's Nokoni warriors, along with Mow-way's Kotsotekas, went to help the Southern Cheyennes. The Cheyennes were attacked by George A. Custer's 7th Cavalry at the Battle of Washita on November 27. Big Red Meat's warriors bravely joined the fight.

On December 25, 1868, U.S. soldiers attacked a Nokoni village known as Soldier Spring. Horseback was not there at the time. The U.S. commander, Major Andrew Wallace Evans, attacked the camp. War chief Tahka fought the soldiers, but the Nokoni were defeated. Tahka died in the battle, and the village was burned. Warriors from Big Red Meat's village and Kiowa warriors arrived to help their people.

Conflict Near Anadarko

In 1872, during a meeting at Fort Cobb, U.S. officials met with several Comanche chiefs, including Big Red Meat. The officials wanted to help "good Indians" but punish those who resisted. Big Red Meat and other chiefs strongly argued that the U.S. government often broke its promises.

Big Red Meat was also involved in the fight against buffalo hunters at Adobe Walls in 1874. After this battle, many Comanche bands went to Fort Sill for supplies. However, only one chief was allowed to stay. The others, including Big Red Meat, had to go to the Wichita agency at Anadarko.

On August 22, near Anadarko, soldiers were sent to Big Red Meat's village to take their weapons and make them prisoners. The Nokoni warriors fought back. The battle continued the next day. After this fight, the Nokoni and Kiowa retreated, burning the prairie and attacking some settlers.

His Final Stand

While some Comanche leaders sought peace, Big Red Meat joined the groups who continued to fight. He united his Nokoni warriors with other strong leaders like Quanah Parker, Mow-way, and Guipago. They were determined to resist the U.S. Army.

Imprisonment and Death

Big Red Meat was part of the campaign led by Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie against Quanah Parker's followers in 1874 and 1875. He fought in the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon on September 28, 1874. In this battle, the Army destroyed five Native American villages. Mackenzie's forces also killed many Native American horses, which was a major blow to their ability to fight.

Big Red Meat surrendered on October 23, 1874, after a fight near Elk Creek. He was then imprisoned at Fort Sill. In March 1875, Colonel Mackenzie took command of the reservations. Big Red Meat died while in captivity at Fort Sill on January 1, 1875.