National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians facts for kids

The National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians is a special place in Anadarko, Oklahoma. It is also known as the American Indian Hall of Fame. This Hall of Fame was started in 1952. It was the very first Hall of Fame in the United States created to honor Native Americans.

This important site is part of a larger area that celebrates American Indian life. Outside, you can see 41 bronze statues, called busts. These busts honor Native Americans from many different tribes. They celebrate their important contributions to American history. The Hall of Fame is free to visit and is run by volunteers.

In 1960, Logan Billingsley, who helped start the Hall of Fame in 1952, shared an important message. He said it was time to show a more truthful picture of Native Americans in history books. He believed historians should give more credit to the many great American Indians.

In Anadarko, you can also find the Southern Plains Indian Museum. This museum shows amazing arts and crafts. It features works by artists from local Plains tribes. It also includes art from other American Indian groups. Many of these groups moved to what is now Oklahoma in the 1800s. These include the Delaware, Caddo, and Southeastern Woodlands tribes. The museum opened in 1947 and often has new art shows and sales.

Honoring Great Native American Leaders and Heroes

The Hall of Fame honors many different American Indians. Some were famous across the country. Others were important figures in Oklahoma. They all made a big difference in history.

Trailblazers in Culture and Politics

Many important figures have been honored here.

• Sequoyah (Cherokee) created a writing system for the Cherokee language.
• Charles Curtis (Kaw/Osage/Potawatomi) was a politician. He became the Vice President of the United States.
• Roberta Lawson (Delaware) was a leader of women's clubs. She led the General Federation of Women's Clubs, which had millions of members.
• Alice Brown Davis (Seminole) was the first woman elected as Principal Chief of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.

Sports Stars and Military Figures

The Hall of Fame also celebrates Native Americans who excelled in sports and the military.

• Jim Thorpe (Sac and Fox) was an amazing athlete. He won Olympic gold medals.
• Allie Reynolds (Creek) was a baseball player. He won the World Series six times.
• Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker (Osage) was a high-ranking army officer. He was the highest-ranking officer of Native American background.

Brave Leaders from History

Many famous war chiefs from the Indian wars are also honored.

• Pontiac (Odawa)
• Black Hawk (Sauk)
• Sitting Bull (Hunkpapa Lakota)
• Tecumseh (Shawnee)
• Cochise (Chiricahua Apache)
• Geronimo (Chiricahua Apache)
• Chief Joseph (Nez Perce)

Two Cherokee chiefs, Stand Watie and John Ross, are also honored. They took different sides during the American Civil War. Stand Watie fought for the Confederate side. John Ross supported the Union.

Important Women in History

Four women from different time periods have been inducted.

• Pocahontas, also known as Matoaka (Pamunkey), helped the Jamestown settlers. She married John Rolfe.
• Sacajawea (Lemhi Shoshone) was an interpreter and guide. She helped the Lewis and Clark Expedition explore new lands.

See also

• National Native American Hall of Fame
• National American Indian Heritage Month
• Native American Day
• List of Native American firsts