Mecosta facts for kids
Mecosta was an important leader, known as a chief, of the Potawatomi people in the 1800s. His real name in the Potawatomi language was Mkozdé. This name means "Having a Bear's Foot." However, when it was written down in English, it was often recorded as "Big Bear."
Mecosta was born near a place that is now called Big Rapids, Michigan. Today, a whole area in Michigan, Mecosta County, Michigan, is named in his honor.
Chief Mecosta and the Treaty
Chief Mecosta is most remembered for signing a very important agreement called the Treaty of Logansport. This treaty was signed on April 22, 1836. When Mecosta signed this treaty, it meant that the Potawatomi people had to give up lands they had been promised earlier. These lands were in Indiana.
The Potawatomi Trail of Death
The Treaty of Logansport led to a sad event for Mecosta's group of Potawatomi people. They were forced to leave their homes in Indiana. They had to move to new lands located west of the Mississippi River. This difficult journey is known as the Potawatomi Trail of Death. It was a very hard time for many Native American tribes who were forced to move from their traditional lands.
Places Named After Mecosta
Chief Mecosta's legacy lives on through several places in Michigan that carry his name. These places help us remember his importance in history.
- Lake Mecosta in Mecosta County, Michigan
- Mecosta, Michigan, a small town
- Mecosta County, Michigan, a larger area or county
- Mecosta Township, Michigan, a smaller division within the county
