Neapope facts for kids
Neapope (whose name Na-pope means "Broth" in the Sauk language) was a very important leader of the Sauk tribe. He was a spiritual guide and a close advisor to Black Hawk. He played a key role during the Black Hawk War.
Biography
Before the Black Hawk War began, Neapope was a respected leader among the Sauk people. Around 1820, Black Hawk asked him for advice. Black Hawk wanted to know if they should fight the American settlers nearby. The other option was to move their people, including Neapope and another Sauk leader named Keokuk, from Illinois to Iowa.
Neapope suggested forming a strong group of tribes. He thought the Winnebago and Potawatomi tribes should join them. This alliance would help protect Black Hawk's people. However, other tribal leaders did not agree to this plan.
Neapope also traveled to Malden, Ontario, in Canada. He hoped to get help from the British military there. He met with General Gaines, but Gaines refused to help. The General said that American settlers had a legal right to the land. He told Black Hawk to stay peaceful with the settlers. After leaving Canada, Neapope visited the Winnebago Prophet, Wabokieshiek. The Prophet promised support, and Neapope then returned to Black Hawk.
As the fighting of the Black Hawk War started, Neapope became one of Black Hawk's main allies. He was especially important during the Battle of Wisconsin Heights. This battle took place near what is now Sauk City, Wisconsin. Neapope bravely held off the local militia (a group of citizen soldiers). This allowed the allied forces to escape safely across the Wisconsin River.
Near the end of the war, Neapope was captured. He was taken by Keokuk, who was a rival of Black Hawk. Keokuk was working with the American settlers. Neapope was imprisoned with Black Hawk for several weeks. They were later released by President Andrew Jackson. Eventually, Neapope rejoined the Sauk people in Iowa.
