Big Warrior facts for kids

Big Warrior (also known as Tustanagee Thlucco) was a very important leader of the Creek Nation. His name, Tustanagee Thlucco, means "Great Warrior" in the Mvskokē language. It was a special title given to the person who led all the warriors in a town. He was a principal chief until he passed away in 1826.

Who Was Big Warrior?

Big Warrior came from a town called Tukabatchee. People say his father was from the Piankashaw people and his mother was from Tukabatchee. He married a woman named Tefvhoe. Big Warrior didn't speak much English. A general named Thomas Woodward once said that Big Warrior was the biggest man he had ever seen among the Creeks. He also said Big Warrior was "spotted as a leopard."

Early Life and Leadership

In the early 1800s, Big Warrior became the Mekko (which means chief) of Tukabatchee. Later, he became the Principal Chief of the Upper Creeks. Even though he didn't trust the Americans, he believed it was best for his nation to work with them.

Big Warrior's choices made him a target during a conflict called the Creek Civil War. In 1813, his town, Tukabatchee, was surrounded by a group called the Red Sticks. The people of Tukabatchee had to find safety with the Lower Creeks in Koweta. After the war ended in 1814, Tukabatchee was rebuilt.

The Creek War and Treaties

In 1811, Big Warrior welcomed a famous leader named Tecumseh to Tukabatchee. Tecumseh wanted all Native American tribes to unite against the United States. However, Big Warrior decided to stay on the side of the U.S. during the Creek War of 1813-14.

After the war, Big Warrior was one of the leaders who signed the Treaty of Fort Jackson. This treaty forced very tough rules on the entire Creek Nation. Big Warrior was very upset because his loyalty to the United States didn't stop them from demanding even more land from the Creeks.

Standing Up for His People

In the years after the war, Big Warrior became a strong opponent of giving away any more land. He worked hard to protect the Creek lands.

Working with Other Leaders

Big Warrior represented the Upper Towns of the Creek Nation. He shared leadership of the Creek National Council with Little Prince. Little Prince was the principal chief of the Lower Towns. Together, they guided the Creek Nation.

Big Warrior passed away in February 1825 while he was in Washington D.C. with a group of other Creek leaders. He had two sons, Tuskenea and Yargee, and at least two daughters. His son Tuskenea took his place as Mekko of Tukabatchee.