Treaty of St. Louis (1816) facts for kids

The Treaty of St. Louis is the name for a group of agreements signed between the United States government and different Native American tribes. These treaties were signed from 1804 to 1824. All fourteen of these agreements took place near St. Louis, Missouri.

What Was the Treaty of St. Louis?

The Treaty of St. Louis refers to a series of important agreements. These agreements involved the United States and various Native American groups. They were signed over a period of 20 years. Each treaty dealt with land and relationships between the groups.

The 1816 Treaty: A Closer Look

One specific Treaty of St. Louis was signed on August 24, 1816. It was officially announced on December 30, 1816. Even though it's called the Treaty of St. Louis, it was actually signed at Portage des Sioux, Missouri. This place is just north of St. Louis.

Who Signed the Treaty?

For the United States, the treaty was signed by Ninian Edwards, William Clark, and Auguste Chouteau. They were representatives of the U.S. government.

The Native American side was represented by leaders from the Council of Three Fires. This council included the united tribes of Ottawa, Ojibwa, and Potawatomi. These tribes lived along the Illinois and Milwaukee rivers.

Land Changes and New Canals

By signing this treaty, the tribes gave up their rights to land they had previously given to the Sac and Fox tribes in 1804. This earlier agreement was known as the Treaty of St. Louis (1804).

The united tribes also gave a 20-mile-wide strip of land to the United States. This strip of land was very important. It connected Chicago and Lake Michigan with the Illinois River. Later, this land was used to build important waterways. The Illinois and Michigan Canal was built there in 1848. In 1900, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal was also built on this land.

The tribes were allowed to hunt and fish on the land they gave up. They could do this as long as the land belonged to the United States.

What Did the Tribes Receive?

In exchange for the land, the United States agreed to pay the tribes. They received $1,000 worth of goods. These goods were given to them over a period of 12 years.

The land was later surveyed by John C. Sullivan. It was originally planned to be given to volunteers from the War of 1812 as a reward.

Remembering the Treaty Today

Today, there is a place that reminds us of this treaty. Indian Boundary Park in West Ridge, Chicago is named to remember this important agreement.