Iron Jacket facts for kids

Iron Jacket (whose Comanche name was Puhihwitsikwasʉ) was a powerful Native American War Chief and Chief of the Comanche people. He was born around the late 1780s or early 1790s and died in 1858.

Iron Jacket was known for wearing a special Spanish coat of mail into battles. This metal armor protected him from most light weapons. The Comanche people also believed he was a strong Medicine man who could even blow bullets away with his breath.

Sadly, on May 12, 1858, his famous jacket could not protect him. He was killed during the Battle of Little Robe Creek. This battle took place on the bank of the South Canadian River. His group of Quahadi Comanches fought against Texas Rangers and Brazos Reservation Indians. These forces were led by John S. Ford, Sul Ross, and Placido, a Tonkawa chief.

Early Life of Iron Jacket

We don't know much about Iron Jacket's early years. He was born in the late 1780s or early 1790s. He likely came from a family of leaders among the Kwahadi, or Antelope-eaters, Band of the Comanche. He was both a chief by birth and a War Chief.

From the 1820s to the 1850s, Iron Jacket led many raids. These raids targeted settlers in Texas and Mexico. Because of his special coat of mail, many people thought he was impossible to harm. Members of the Texas Rangers and soldiers often said they shot him directly without hurting him.

His coat of old Spanish mail protected him from many weapons. This made him a very feared and dangerous leader. He was a major figure in the Comancheria region before the American Civil War.

The Antelope Hills Expedition

The years before the Civil War were very difficult on the Texas Frontier. Iron Jacket, his son Peta Nocona, and other Comanche and Kiowa Chiefs fought hard. They were trying to stop white settlers from moving into their homeland, the Comancheria.

To respond to these conflicts, Governor Runnels of Texas took action. On January 27, 1858, he chose John Salmon "Rip" Ford to lead the Texas Rangers. Ford was a tough fighter who had experience from the Mexican–American War. His job was to take the fight to the Comanches in their own territory.

Ford was known for being very determined. He often signed casualty reports with "RIP" for "Rest In Peace." Governor Runnels gave Ford clear orders. He told Ford to "follow any trail" of hostile Indians. He also said to "overtake and chastise them if unfriendly."

On March 19, 1858, Ford went to the Brazos Reservation. This was near what is now Fort Worth, Texas. There, he got the Tonkawa people to join his forces. The Tonkawa, led by Chief Placido, were known as friends of the white settlers. Ford and Placido decided to track the Comanche and Kiowa. They planned to go into their strongholds in the Canadian River hills and the Wichita Mountains. Their goal was to weaken the Comanche and Kiowa's ability to fight.

In April 1858, Ford set up Camp Runnells. This was near the old town of Belknap. Ford continued to follow the Governor's orders. He was told to "inflict the most severe and summary punishment" on hostile Indians. He was also told to "allow no interference from any source." This meant he should not let the United States Army or Indian Agents stop him. These federal groups might try to protect Indian territories in Oklahoma.

On April 15, Ford's Rangers crossed the Red River. They were joined by Tonkawa warriors and Anadarko and Shawnee scouts. They entered the Indian Territory in Oklahoma. Ford led his men into this territory, even though it broke federal laws and treaties. He later said his job was to "find and fight Indians, not to learn geography."

Battle of Little Robe Creek and Iron Jacket's Death

On May 12, 1858, at sunrise, Ford's combined forces attacked a sleeping Comanche village. This event is known as the Battle of Little Robe Creek. It actually involved three separate fights that day. The first was the surprise attack on the sleeping village.

The second fight was an attack on Iron Jacket's village. This village was a bit further up the Canadian River. During this fight, Pohebits-quasho, or "Iron Jacket," was killed. He got his name from the metal coat he wore in battle. He bravely rode repeatedly toward the Rangers and Tonkawa, challenging them.

Many historians believe his mail coat could not stop the powerful buffalo gun used by Tonkawa Jim Pockmark. Or, as Ford wrote, "six rifle shots rang on the air." When their legendary chief died, his warriors were discouraged. However, his son, Peta Nocona, arrived with more Comanche warriors. This timely help saved Iron Jacket's village from being completely destroyed.

The Rangers broke up Iron Jacket's coat of mail. They kept the metal pieces as souvenirs. His other items, like his lance and shield, were sent to the Governor in Austin to be displayed.

Family Life

Iron Jacket had a famous son named Peta Nocona. Peta Nocona was also a well-known Comanche War Chief. Iron Jacket's grandson was Quanah Parker, who became the last chief of the Comanche people.

In Popular Culture

Iron Jacket has appeared in popular culture. The 1980 movie The Mountain Men featured a made-up version of him. This character was called "Chief Iron Belly" and was played by Victor Jory.