Carne Muerto facts for kids

Carne Muerto (born around 1832, died in the 1860s) was a brave Native American leader. He was a War Chief of the Quahadi band of the Comanche people. He became famous because he was the son of a well-known chief named Santa Anna. This helped him survive being captured by John "Rip" Ford and his Texas Rangers. After escaping in 1850, he became known as a strong War Chief. He led many raids against new settlements in the late 1850s.

Early Life of Carne Muerto

Carne Muerto was born in 1832. His father was the Comanche War Chief Santa Anna. He grew up as part of the Penateka band of the Comanches. The name "Carne Muerto" means "Death Meat" in Spanish.

The Penateka were once the largest group of Comanche. Famous chiefs like Old Owl and Buffalo Hump belonged to this band. However, they faced many battles and diseases. A serious illness, the cholera epidemic, hit them in 1848-1849. Many Penateka people died during this time.

After the epidemic, the Penateka band split up. Carne Muerto's father passed away. So, Carne Muerto and his mother went to live with the Quahadi band of the Comanche Indians. This new group became his home.

Capture by Texas Rangers

In June 1850, when Carne Muerto was about 18 years old, he was captured. A group of Texas Rangers led by John "Rip" Ford took him prisoner. Carne Muerto quickly told the Rangers he was the son of Santa Anna. Santa Anna was a very respected chief.

Carne Muerto hoped this would help him. He did not tell the Rangers that his father had already died. Ford, the Ranger leader, knew Santa Anna was a powerful chief. He understood that harming Santa Anna's son could lead to big problems. The Comanche might seek revenge on settlers.

So, Carne Muerto was treated well by the Rangers. He was then held by the Army for almost a year. Both the Rangers and the Army hoped to use him. They thought he could be traded for white people held captive by the Comanche. They also wanted to show that captives should be treated kindly.

In January 1851, Carne Muerto was moved to Fort Merrill. His mother even came to the fort to ask for his freedom. Soon after, he managed to escape. He then rejoined his people, the Quahadi band.

Later Years as a War Chief

In the mid-1850s, Carne Muerto became a War Chief among the Quahadi. A War Chief was a leader who planned and led battles. He led many raids against new white settlements. He was a key leader in the fight against white people settling on the Comancheria. The Comancheria was the traditional land of the Comanche people.

Carne Muerto is last mentioned in history in the early 1860s. This was after a battle known as the Battle of Little Robe Creek. His exact death place and date are not known.