Cold Foot (Miami) facts for kids

Cold Foot was an important Miami chief who lived a long time ago, in the 1700s. He was part of a powerful family that played a big role in trade and leadership among the Miami people. His nephew was Pacanne, who also became a famous chief later on.

Cold Foot: A Miami Chief

Cold Foot was a respected leader of the Miami people, a Native American tribe. He lived during a time when his people faced tough choices about who to trade with. This was in the 1700s, when both the French and the British wanted to be friends with Native American tribes for trade.

Cold Foot's Family and Important Land

Cold Foot had close family ties. His brother or brother-in-law was named The Turtle. The Turtle was the father of Cold Foot's nephew, Pacanne, who would become a very important chief. Cold Foot's niece, Tacumwah, married a French fur trader. Their son, Peshewa, also became a chief.

This family controlled a special piece of land called the Long Portage. It was an 8-mile path between the Maumee River and the Wabash River. This path was super important for traders traveling between Canada (which was then controlled by the French) and French Louisiana (another French territory). Controlling this path meant the family had a lot of power and influence over trade.

Choices and Loyalty

Cold Foot lived in a village called Kekionga. During his time, the Miami people were caught between two big trading partners: the French and the British. The French had been their traditional partners for a long time. However, the British offered better deals and more goods, which made many Miami people want to trade with them instead.

Cold Foot was known for his loyalty. Even when many Miami people started favoring the British and moved away from Kekionga to a place called Pickawillany, Cold Foot stayed true to his French allies. He remained at Kekionga.

Cold Foot Village and a Sad Time

Because Cold Foot stayed loyal, the French rebuilt their nearby fort in 1750. They moved it to higher ground. Cold Foot then moved his people to the old fort site, which became known as Cold Foot Village.

Sadly, during the winter of 1751 and 1752, a terrible sickness called smallpox hit Cold Foot Village. Many people in the village got sick and died, including Chief Cold Foot himself and his son. His nephew, Pacanne, later became a chief and continued the family's legacy.