Main Poc facts for kids
Main Poc (born around 1768, died 1816) was an important leader of the Potawatomi Native American people. His name, which means "Crippled Hand" in French, came from his left hand, which was missing fingers. Main Poc lived in the Yellow River area of what is now the United States.
Throughout his life, Main Poc strongly opposed the growing power of the United States. He worked hard to stop settlers from moving into the "Old Northwest" region. He joined forces with another famous Native American leader, Tecumseh, to try and push settlers back. Main Poc fought alongside Tecumseh until their defeat in Canada during the War of 1812.
Early Life and Raids
After the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, there was peace in many parts of the United States. However, in areas controlled by Spain, like St. Louis, officials encouraged Native American groups to fight the Osage. The Potawatomi, led by Main Poc, were among those who agreed.
Main Poc became well-known for leading raids across the Mississippi River. White settlers in eastern Missouri and southern Illinois were upset by these attacks. Main Poc's groups often took horses and livestock, and sometimes killed settlers or travelers.
By 1805, Main Poc was the main leader of these raids. That year, the United States made a treaty with the Osage, promising to protect them. But less than a month later, Main Poc led a bold raid, capturing over sixty Osage people. The United States tried to buy back these captives, who had been sold to other tribes. After this raid, Main Poc's influence grew a lot. Both Native American chiefs and U.S. officials tried to gain his support. Main Poc stopped raiding for almost five years because he was able to support his followers with gifts from these officials.
Joining Tecumseh
In 1807, when Tecumseh and his brother, the Prophet, sent messages to the Potawatomi, Main Poc quickly offered his help. Main Poc was also known as a shaman, someone who had visions and could connect with spirits.
In late 1808, Main Poc visited the Shawnee Prophet in Ohio. He stayed for two months. He then spent the winter at Fort Wayne, invited by the American Indian Agent. Even though the Americans saw this as a sign of loyalty, Main Poc still showed he was independent.
When Main Poc returned to his village, he planned more raids against the Osage. American Agents then suggested he visit Washington, D.C.. He met with President Thomas Jefferson in December 1808 and returned home in the spring of 1809.
In 1810, Main Poc moved to Prophetstown, Tecumseh's village. Native American nations were planning attacks against American forts. Main Poc was chosen to lead a group of Potawatomi against Fort Dearborn (which is now Chicago).
In July 1810, more Potawatomi raids against the Osage increased tensions with the Americans. Main Poc spent the summer raiding settlements in western Illinois. In November, he led another raid against the Osage, but he was wounded. He spent the winter recovering.
In April, Main Poc moved his village and continued to lead raids against American settlements. He also fought with American militia groups. Main Poc then traveled north to gain the support of the Sauk and Kickapoo tribes. He then went to the British post at Amherstburg in Canada for the winter of 1811.
In August 1812, American forces marched on Tippecanoe, ending the Native American Confederacy. Main Poc stayed in Canada, sending messages to prepare Potawatomi villages for war. By July, Main Poc was bringing gunpowder from the British. The American military saw him as the second most influential leader after Tecumseh among the pro-British warriors.
Main Poc and another leader, Shabbona, were at the siege of Detroit. Other leaders, Blackbird and Mad Sturgeon, led the attack on Fort Dearborn on August 15, 1812. Main Poc also helped ambush American troops near Detroit.
Many Potawatomi joined Tecumseh and the British as they retreated into Canada. They were defeated at the Battle of the Thames in October 1813. Main Poc stayed near Detroit, planning to attack American supply lines. Later, Main Poc, along with other Potawatomi chiefs like Topinbee and Five Medals, signed a truce with the Americans.
After the War of 1812
In the summer of 1814, most tribes in the Old Northwest signed a peace treaty with the American government. However, Main Poc and other pro-British Potawatomi chiefs refused to attend the peace meeting. They moved their followers into northern Indiana and southeastern Michigan.
Main Poc settled a new village on the Yellow River. From there, he and other chiefs launched raids against Fort Harrison (modern Terre Haute). The American government planned to send a large force to stop them. The Potawatomi learned of these plans and gathered 800 warriors along the St. Joseph River (Lake Michigan). They also got gunpowder from British fur traders. The American general decided the Potawatomi were too strong to attack.
In 1815, news arrived that the Treaty of Ghent had ended the war between the Americans and the British. Main Poc was at Mackinac when the British commander told his Native American allies about the peace treaty. Main Poc refused to attend a peace council near Detroit.
As peace came, mixed-blood tribal members began to take on leadership roles. Main Poc died in 1816. His death furthered the trend of leaders who were comfortable in both Potawatomi villages and American trading companies.
