Old Tobacco facts for kids
Old Tobacco was the English name for a Piankeshaw chief. He lived near Post Vincennes during the time of the American Revolution. Old Tobacco might have been the father of another important chief, Young Tobacco.
Contents
Who Was Old Tobacco?
Old Tobacco was a respected leader of the Piankeshaw people. The Piankeshaw are a Native American tribe. They lived in what is now Indiana. Old Tobacco's actions were important during the American Revolution. This was a war where American colonists fought for independence from Britain.
A Leader's Stand
In 1778, Captain Leonard Helm came to Vincennes. He was sent by Colonel George Rogers Clark. Clark was an American military leader. Helm brought two special belts to the Piankeshaw. These belts were a way to communicate important messages.
The Belts of Peace and War
One belt was red, meaning war. The other was green, meaning peace. Helm wanted the Piankeshaw to choose a side. Old Tobacco was not happy with this. He felt it was wrong to offer both good and evil together. He showed his strong feelings by kicking the belts from Helm's hands. This action showed his independence.
Land and Loyalties
At some point, Old Tobacco sold land further north. This land was along the Wabash River. Wea villages were located there. The Wea were another Native American tribe.
Complaints and Alliances
Later in 1778, Lt-Governor Henry Hamilton led a British group to Vincennes. Hamilton was a British official. He heard complaints about Old Tobacco from other Native American villages. Some natives told Hamilton that Old Tobacco and Young Tobacco supported the Americans. They were against the British. Hamilton did not write down any specific actions Old Tobacco took against the British.
