Billy Caldwell facts for kids
Billy Caldwell, also known as Sauganash (meaning "one who speaks English"), was an important leader and fur trader. He was born in 1782 and passed away in 1841. Billy Caldwell was part British and part Potawatomi. During the War of 1812, he served as a captain in the Indian Department of Canada.
After the war, he moved to the United States in 1818. He became a key negotiator for Native American tribes. In 1829 and 1833, he helped create treaties between the United States and the United Nations of Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi peoples. He became a respected leader of a Potawatomi group. Billy Caldwell worked hard to establish a clear boundary between settlers and Native Americans, but this goal was never fully achieved.
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Who Was Billy Caldwell?
Billy Caldwell was born in 1782 near Fort Niagara. His mother was Mohawk, and his father, William Caldwell, was a Scots-Irish immigrant and a British officer. Billy grew up learning several languages, including Potawatomi, English, and French. This skill helped him greatly in his later life.
When he was seven, Billy went to live with his father and his Canadian stepmother. She wanted him to be raised Catholic. He received a basic education and learned English and French. Even though he worked on his father's farm, Billy wanted a different kind of life.
Billy Caldwell's Career
In 1797, at age 17, Billy Caldwell entered the United States. He began working in the fur trade, which he continued for many years. He learned the Potawatomi language to communicate with the tribes around Lake Michigan.
Billy Caldwell became very influential among the Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi tribes. He was seen as a trusted person by both Native Americans and the U.S. government. He often worked as a translator and negotiator.
Serving in the War of 1812
In 1812, Billy Caldwell joined the British service during the War of 1812. He was commissioned as a captain in the Indian Department. He fought in several battles. He was disappointed when the British did not fully support their Native American allies. Billy Caldwell had hoped the British would help create a clear boundary for Native American lands, but this did not happen.
Working with the United States
After the war, in 1818, Billy Caldwell moved back to the United States. He settled near Fort Dearborn (now Chicago). He worked to build trust with the Americans. He also continued his work in the fur trade and became active with the local tribes.
In 1829, Caldwell became a chief representing the United Nations of the Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi. He helped negotiate the Second Treaty of Prairie du Chien with the United States. This treaty was part of the process of Indian removal, which meant moving Native American tribes to lands further west.
For his efforts, the U.S. government gave Billy Caldwell a large piece of land. This was a 1600-acre area along the Chicago River, known as the Caldwell Reserve.
The 1833 Treaty of Chicago
In 1833, Billy Caldwell, along with Alexander Robinson, helped negotiate the 1833 Treaty of Chicago. Through this treaty, the Potawatomi gave up their remaining lands in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
After the treaty, in 1835, Caldwell and his people moved west. They first settled in Platte County, Missouri. The treaty also promised payments to Caldwell and Robinson.
Caldwell Reserve Land Sales
The 1600-acre Caldwell Reserve was given to Billy Caldwell in 1829. Starting in 1833, Caldwell began selling parts of this land. He worked with a land speculator named Arthur Bronson.
Some parts of the reserve were never legally sold. Today, 80 acres of the original reserve are part of the Cook County Forest Preserve. This area includes the Billy Caldwell Golf Course and borders Caldwell Avenue, which is also named after him. Another part of his reserve is now the Sauganash neighborhood in Chicago.
Family Life
Billy Caldwell married three times. His first two wives passed away after having their first children.
In 1834, before leaving the Chicago area, he married Saqua (also called Masaqua) LeGrand. She was a Métis woman, meaning she had both Potawatomi and French heritage. They had a daughter and a son after moving west. Only their son, Pe-y-mo, survived to adulthood.
Moving West
In 1835, Billy Caldwell and his Potawatomi group left Illinois. They moved to Platte County, Missouri. However, in 1836, they had to move again due to the Platte Purchase.
They relocated to Trader's Point, on the east bank of the Missouri River in the Iowa Territory. About 2000 Potawatomi lived in their main village, known as "Caldwell's Camp." This area later became the city of Council Bluffs, Iowa.
From 1838 to 1839, a Jesuit missionary named Pierre-Jean De Smet worked with Caldwell's people. He saw the many challenges the Potawatomi faced in their new home.
Billy Caldwell passed away on September 28, 1841. Scholars believe he may have died from cholera. His wife, Masaqua, died in 1843. Their son, Pe-y-mo, later became a United States citizen.
Legacy and Honors
- The Sauganash Hotel in Chicago was named after Billy Caldwell in 1831.
- A 1600-acre land reserve on the Chicago River was awarded to him. Part of this land is now the Cook County Forest Preserve, including the Billy Caldwell Golf Course and Caldwell Avenue.
- The Sauganash residential neighborhood in Chicago is also named after him.
- There is a Sauganash Golf Club in Three Rivers, Michigan.
Images for kids
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Map of Chicago 1980.
