Tsupu facts for kids

Tsupu (born around 1815, died 1890) was an important elder from the Coast Miwok people. She was also known by other names like Wild Cucumber, Maria Chekka, and Maria Chica. Tsupu was the very last person born in the ancient village of Petaluma. This village was located east of the Petaluma River and a few miles northeast of where the city of Petaluma, California, is today. The village was part of the Lekatuit Nation and had about 500 people living there. The name "Petaluma" means "sloping ridge" in the Coast Miwok language.

Who Was Tsupu?

Tsupu's family background was a mix of different Coast Miwok groups. One of her sons later shared that she was "half Petaluma, half Tomales, half Bodega." This means her family came from different villages within the Coast Miwok territory. Historians believe that Tsupu's father was from Petaluma, and her mother came from a village in the Olamentke Nation. As she grew up, her grandparents taught her many important things about her culture and traditions.

Life Changes in Petaluma

In 1834, a Mexican general named Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo built his main ranch headquarters in the eastern part of the Lekatuit territory. This building is now known as the Rancho Petaluma Adobe. During this time, Tsupu and many other Native American people were forced to help build the ranch. Sadly, a serious illness called smallpox also spread through the area, affecting many people.

Tsupu's Journey and Legacy

Eventually, Tsupu managed to leave Petaluma. She traveled about fifty miles north to Fort Ross. After this journey, she spent the rest of her life living in the area around Sonoma County.

Tsupu had six children. Today, one of her descendants is Greg Sarris. He is a writer and also serves as the Tribal Chairman for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. This shows how Tsupu's family line continues to be important in the community today.

The original village of Péta Lúuma was completely left empty after the smallpox sickness spread widely in 1838.