Takatoka facts for kids

Takatoka, also known by his Cherokee names Degadoga and Tatoka, was an important leader of the Cherokee Nation—West. He was born around 1755 and passed away in 1824. Takatoka served as the second Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation—West, which was a group of Cherokee people who had moved to the area known today as Arkansas. He held this leadership role from 1813 to 1817.

Early Life and Moving West

Takatoka was a Cherokee person who moved to the Arkansas area in 1810. This region was then part of the larger Louisiana Territory. He was part of a group of Cherokee who decided to move west.

This move was led by a chief named The Bowl (also called Di'wali). The Bowl was a leader from the Chickamauga group of Cherokee. He guided Takatoka and many other followers to the west. They moved to escape the growing power and constant expansion of the United States.

Leadership and Later Years

Takatoka became the Principal Chief after The Bowl left the position. As Principal Chief, he was the main leader for the Cherokee people living in the west.

Later, Takatoka took on a different important role. He served as a war chief for the western Cherokee. This was during a conflict known as the Cherokee-Osage War, which lasted from 1817 to 1823. During this time, another leader named Tahlonteeskee became the Principal Chief.

Takatoka became very sick while traveling to Washington D.C.. He was on an important trip to represent his people in diplomatic talks. Sadly, he passed away quickly in 1824 at the home of Pierre Menard in Illinois. Pierre Menard was a very wealthy and influential person in Illinois at that time.