Kihegashugah facts for kids
Kihegashugah (born around 1791, died around 1840) was an important leader, or chief, of the Osage tribe. This tribe lived in what is now central Missouri. People in his tribe told stories that he was the great-grandson of an Osage man who visited France many years earlier, in 1725.
Kihegashugah was known as a very respected and important Osage leader. He was one of six people from his tribe who traveled all the way to France in the 1820s.
An Unexpected Trip to France
In 1827, when Kihegashugah was in his late 30s, he began a long journey. He traveled with his two wives, Hawk Woman and Sacred Sun. Four other Osage people also joined them. A Frenchman named David DeLaunay was their guide.
The Osage believed they were going to Washington, D.C. to meet the President of the United States. However, DeLaunay had other plans. He took them to France and the Netherlands instead.
Life as a Show in Europe
In Europe, DeLaunay displayed the Osage people in a type of show. This was like a "Wild West show" where people were put on display for entertainment. The Osage faced many difficulties during their long trip and while they were in Europe.
While in France, Little Chief and his group met King Charles X. Kihegashugah also had an exciting experience: he took a ride in a hot air balloon! Hot air balloons were a new invention by the French Montgolfier brothers at that time. They were a very popular attraction in France.
Returning Home to America
Some early stories about Kihegashugah mixed him up with another Osage man named Little Soldier. These stories incorrectly said that Kihegashugah died from smallpox on the ship while returning to America.
However, this was not true. Kihegashugah actually returned home safely. He was later part of tribal meetings, called councils, in 1833 and 1839. These meetings took place in the Fort Gibson Indian Territory.
