Hail to the Native American Chiefs Quiz

Answer: Geronimo

Geronimo (1829-1909) was an Apache leader, who after the tragedy of finding his mother, wife and three children murdered by Mexican soldiers, went into the wilderness to grieve. The rest of his life was spent in revenge and raids against Mexican forces. He was the last of his tribe to surrender to US forces and afterward regretted having done so.

Answer: Chief Joseph

Chief Joseph (1840-1904) was a leader of the Nez Perce. Under his leadership, the tribe led attacks against government forces, who wanted to move them off of their ancestral lands on to a reservation. His retreat and that of his tribe into Canada was considered admirable because of the manner in which the Nez Perce under Chief Joseph conducted themselves.

His sad, yet famous words concerning surrender identify him as a great and noble chief and man.

Answer: Tecumseh

Tecumseh (1768-1813) was a famous Shawnee leader, who sided with the British during the War of 1812. He tried to gather tribes together into a Confederacy and this increased Native strength. Although his confederacy never achieved its goals, he is most famous for his curse against American presidents, which predicted the deaths in office of any president (first) elected in a zero year.

This occurred regularly until Ronald Regan survived an assassination attempt during his presidency.

Answer: Pontiac

Pontiac (1720-1769) is credited with actually acting on the tribal desire to maintain ownership of the lands around the American Great Lakes. Although his role is often questioned by historians, it is clear that he was a man of action.

Answer: Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse (1840-1877) was a holy man and chief of the Sioux. His reputation was strong and he led the charge against General Custer and was instrumental in the native American victory there in 1876. He had visions and was granted the noble title 'Shirt Weaver' for his accurate visions.

Answer: Osceola

Osceola (1804-1838) was a strong leader and although he was captured and died in captivity is honored throughout the state of Florida to this day.

Answer: Cochise

Cochise (1805-1874) was a famous Apache leader, who along with Geronimo fought against the Mexican forces around the Apache native lands. His fame as a warrior and leader led to many films and even a television show.

Answer: Massasoit

Massasoit (1581-1661) made friends with the Pilgrims and taught them techniques that increased their chances at survival. Because of his teachings and support, Plymouth Colony thrived after that first terrible winter.

Answer: Chief Seattle

Chief Seattle (1780-1866) is most famous for his speech in support of respect for Native values regarding the earth and her care. His speech was widely quoted when the first issues regarding ecology became a serious part of the American agenda in the 1970s.

Answer: Sitting Bull

Sitting Bull (1831-1890) was one of the most famous chiefs in the history of Native American relations. He was a great warrior, a performer in Wild Bill's Old West Show, which many saw as demeaning, but his exposure included many famous sayings, which helped white audiences understand the native American beliefs in caring for children and the earth.

His friendship with Annie Oakley (1860-1926) was based on his sincere admiration for her sharpshooting skills.