Chief Tecopa facts for kids
Tecopa (born around 1815, died 1904) was an important Native American leader. His name meant "wildcat." Tecopa led a group of the Paiute tribe in southern Nevada. His people lived in areas like Ash Meadows and Pahrump.
In the 1840s, Tecopa and his warriors had a three-day battle. They fought against a group led by explorers Kit Carson and John C. Fremont at a place called Resting Springs. Later in his life, Tecopa worked hard to keep peace. He wanted good relations with the new settlers who came to the region. Because of this, he became known as a peacemaker.
Tecopa often wore a special bright red suit with gold trim and a silk top hat. When his clothes wore out, local miners would replace them. They did this to thank him for helping keep peace with the Paiute people.
His Burial Place
Tecopa is buried with his son and grandson. Their graves are at the Chief Tecopa Cemetery in the Pahrump Valley, Nevada.
Places Named After Tecopa
A town in California was named after Chief Tecopa. The place is called Tecopa, California. J. B. Osbourne, who ran a mining camp there, chose the name.
In November 1971, the Governor of Nevada, Mike O'Callaghan, honored Tecopa. He called Tecopa a leader with great vision and courage. The Governor dedicated a state memorial to Tecopa at his gravesite. About 15 acres (61,000 m2) of land was given to Nye County. This land became a park, now known as Tecopa Park.
