Charlot
Charlot, also known as Martin Charlot, was a prominent leader among the Flathead (Inland Salish) people in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana. He played a significant role during the late 19th century as his community faced pressures from incoming settlers who seized their fertile lands. In the early 1890s, Charlot and his people were directed to relocate to the less productive Pend d'Oreille reservation. Demonstrating resilience, Charlot led a dissident band of Flathead/Salish people that successfully delayed their forced removal for several years. He even traveled to Washington, D.C., in 1884 to advocate for his community’s rights alongside Indian Agent Peter Ronan. Despite significant external pressures and many of his followers choosing to leave in the 1880s, Charlot and a small group of supporters resisted relocation until 1900, when they were ultimately removed by force. Charlot's leadership highlights the struggles faced by Native American communities during this turbulent period of American history.
Subject Terms
Charlot
- Born: c. 1831
- Birthplace: Northern Idaho
- Died: 1900
- Place of death: Jocko Reservation, Montana
Tribal affiliation: Flathead/Salish (possibly Kalispel)
Significance: Charlot fought against removal by white settlers
Charlot (sometimes called Martin Charlot) was among the Flathead/Salish people in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana who created fertile farms only to have them seized by immigrants. In the early 1890’s, he was among those who were told to move to less fertile land on the Pend d’Oreille reservation. The dissident band of Flathead/Salish led by Charlot managed to delay relocation for several years. Charlot even traveled to Washington, D.C., in 1884 with Indian Agent Peter Ronan to discuss the issue. He still refused to cooperate in removal to a reservation. As whites usurped their homeland, many of Charlot’s followers moved in the 1880’s, but he and a few followers held out until 1900, when they were finally removed by force.
