Mitchigamea facts for kids

The Mitchigamea (also spelled Michigamea or Michigamie) were a Native American tribe. They were an important part of the Illinois Confederation, a group of related tribes. Not much is known about their earliest history. It is thought they originally lived near Lake Michigan, possibly around the Chicago area.

Later, the Mitchigamea moved south into what is now Illinois. A place called Mitchie Precinct in Monroe County is named after their presence there. This area is in the American Bottom, a fertile plain along the Mississippi River. One of their villages in the American Bottom was active from 1730 to 1752. This village is now an important archaeological site called the "Kolmer Site". Archaeologists study sites like Kolmer to learn about the past.

Life and Movement

The Mitchigamea people eventually moved to what is now Arkansas. This move happened because of pressure from other powerful tribes, like the Iroquois.

One of the most famous leaders of the Mitchigamea was Chief Agapit Chicagou. He was a well-known figure during his time.

Conflicts and Decline

The Mitchigamea, along with other tribes in the Illinois Confederation, faced many challenges. A historian named Benjamin Drake wrote in 1848 about a long war. This war involved a large group of tribes attacking the Illinois Confederation. These attacking tribes included the Sauk, Fox, Sioux, Chippewa, Ottawa, Potawatamies, Cherokee, and Choctawa.

This conflict lasted for many years. It caused great hardship for the Illinois Confederation. By 1826, only about 500 members of the entire Confederation remained. This shows how much the war affected their population.

Historical records suggest that the war may have started because of how the Illinois tribes treated their captives. These actions led to long-lasting conflicts with neighboring tribes.

Historical Accounts

The Jesuit Relations are old writings by Jesuit missionaries. They provide some information about the Mitchigamea. One account describes finding the Tamaroa tribe. The Tamaroa were waiting for the Mitchigamea to join them for winter. The Mitchigamea were expected to travel a long distance to meet them. This shows that the tribes sometimes gathered together for the winter months.

Language

The Mitchigamea spoke their own language, known as the Mitchigamea language. It was part of the larger Siouan language family.