Billy Chinook facts for kids

Billy Chinook was an important leader of the Wasco tribe. He was a skilled guide who helped explorers like John C. Frémont and Kit Carson discover new parts of Central Oregon. Billy Chinook also served as a brave soldier, a First Sergeant with the U.S. Army Wasco Scouts, during a conflict known as the Snake War. Today, a beautiful place called Lake Billy Chinook in Oregon is named after him to honor his memory.

Early Life of Billy Chinook

Billy Chinook was born around 1827. His birthplace was near what is now Fort Dalles, in Oregon Territory. He was also known as William Parker.

As a child, Billy Chinook was an orphan. He lived at the Wascopam Mission. This mission was part of the Methodist Mission in the Oregon Country. Reverend Daniel Lee from the mission baptized him.

Guiding Explorers: The Frémont Expeditions

In the summer of 1843, Billy Chinook was still a teenager. He was about 16 to 19 years old. At this time, Lieutenant John C. Frémont and Kit Carson visited the areas of Bend, Oregon and The Dalles, Oregon. Frémont hired Billy Chinook to be a guide for his team.

Exploring Central Oregon

Billy Chinook helped Frémont's second expedition. They explored Central Oregon and the Klamath Basin. Their journey continued into what is now Nevada and California. This exploration lasted until July 1844.

Trip to Washington, D.C.

In 1845, Billy Chinook traveled with Frémont to Washington, D.C. While there, Frémont gave Billy Chinook a special medal. This medal had the picture of the President on one side. It said: Martin Van Buren President of the United States A.D. 1845. The other side showed two hands shaking. It also had a tomahawk crossed with a peace pipe. The words Peace and Friendship were also on the medal.

While in Washington, D.C., Billy Chinook studied English. He attended Columbian College.

Further Studies and More Guiding

After Washington, D.C., Billy Chinook went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He lived with a Quaker family there. He continued to study English.

On June 1, 1845, Frémont started his "Third Expedition" to the "Far West." Billy Chinook joined him again as a guide. He left Frémont's group in June 1847. This was while they were in northern California.

Advocating for His People

Billy Chinook stayed in California for a few years. He married a Californian/Mexican woman. He also started a large herd of cattle. By 1851, he had returned to his home village near The Dalles. He settled on a piece of land near Mill Creek. Billy Chinook used his English skills to help his people.

Protecting Native Lands

In 1853, Billy Chinook wrote a letter to Joel Palmer. Palmer was the Oregon Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Billy Chinook asked him to protect the native lands near The Dalles. He wanted to stop non-native settlers from moving onto these lands.

In 1855, Billy Chinook represented the Wasco Nation. He took part in treaty talks with the U.S. government. He was one of three elected Chiefs of the Wasco Nation. He represented the Dalles Wasco people. He signed the treaty that created the Warm Springs Reservation. In 1856, Billy Chinook lost his land claim at Mill Creek. He then moved to the Warm Springs Reservation.

Serving in the U.S. Army

In 1866, Billy Chinook joined the U.S. Army. He became an Acting First Sergeant. He was part of Captain John Darragh's Company of 50 U.S. Army Indian Scouts. He served for one year during the Snake War. First Sergeant Chinook took part in the first battle of this war. This battle happened in what is now Crook County, Oregon.

Conflict with the Paiutes

The Paiute tribe and the Wasco tribe had a long history of conflict. In 1866, Chief Paulina, his half-brother Chief Wahveveh, and another brother, Oitsiof, led their warriors. They killed Wasco Chief Queapama at the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. The Wasco Scouts joined regular army units. They chased Chief Paulina's group from 1864 until 1867.

A Bold Attack

In the summer of 1866, Billy Chinook was with Captain (Dr.) William Cameron McKay. They were at McKay Creek. Billy Chinook left the camp with 25 scouts. They were on patrol. At Dry Creek in Crook County, Oregon, they found a group of Paiutes. Billy Chinook had orders not to fight the Paiutes while on patrol.

However, his scouts attacked the Paiute camp at dawn. They killed all 32 Paiutes. This act avenged the death of Chief Queapama. But it also meant Billy Chinook's scouts disobeyed their orders.

Tracking Chief Paulina

On September 16, 1866, Chief Paulina and 14 Paiute warriors attacked the James N. Clark ranch. The men at the ranch escaped. The warriors then looted and burned the ranch.

After this, Billy Chinook and his Wasco scouts tracked Chief Paulina. They followed him to an area near Harney Lake by Steens Mountain in Oregon. Chief Paulina and his warriors hid in a cave. Chief Paulina's half-brother Chief Wahveveh and two warriors were killed. Chief Paulina and the others managed to escape.

Later Years and Legacy

After leaving the army, Billy Chinook lived at the Warm Springs Reservation. He continued to support the Wasco Nation. He worked for his people until he passed away on December 9, 1890. He is buried in the reservation cemetery. His gravestone says: A faithful and true friend of the white man.

Lake Billy Chinook

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs honored Billy Chinook. They named the reservoir at the Round Butte Dam after him. This area is where he guided Frémont and Carson. Lake Billy Chinook goes beyond the borders of The Cove Palisades State Park in Oregon. There is also a waterfall called Jordan Road Falls. It plunges 160 feet into Lake Billy Chinook. This waterfall is unofficially known as "Billy Chinook Falls."