Menewa
Menewa was a prominent leader of the Creek Nation and a key figure in the Red Stick faction during the early 19th century. He gained a reputation as a fearless warrior known for daring horse raids in Tennessee. His leadership emerged in the wake of conflict with the White Sticks, a faction advocating for peace, particularly following violent events such as the murder of White Sticks leader William McIntosh and the subsequent burning of his village. Menewa allied with the principal Red Stick leader, William Weatherford, and participated in the Creek War, notably fighting against General Andrew Jackson at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, where he was severely wounded.
After recovering, Menewa played a significant role in Creek governance, including executing McIntosh, who had ceded vast tracts of Creek land. He was later involved in negotiations in Washington, advocating for the rights of his people and successfully retaining some land in exchange for promises of peace. Despite his contributions, Menewa ultimately faced removal to Indian Territory after supporting U.S. troops during the Seminole War. His life reflects the complex struggles of Indigenous leaders navigating the turbulent relationships between their nations and U.S. expansion.
Subject Terms
Menewa
- Born: c. 1765
- Birthplace: Along the Tallopoosa River (now in Alabama)
- Died: 1865
- Place of death: Indian Territory (now in Oklahoma)
Tribal affiliation: Creek
Significance: As a leader of the Creek war faction, Menewa fought Andrew Jackson at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend
As a young man in Tennessee, Menewa established a warrior’s reputation for daring horse raids. He became a leader of the traditional Creek warrior faction, the Red Sticks. When William McIntosh, leader of the White Sticks peace faction, committed a murder, white settlers burned Menewa’s village.
Thereafter, Menewa joined the Red Sticks’ principal leader, William Weatherford, aiding Tecumseh, leader of a pan-Indian rebellion. Menewa fought General Andrew Jackson during the Creek War and was shot eight times and left for dead at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in 1814. After recovering from his wounds, he surrendered, forfeiting all of his lands.
The Creeks appointed Menewa executioner of McIntosh, who in 1825 had illegally ceded twenty-five million acres of Creek land. Thereafter, Menewa traveled to Washington with Creek leader Opothleyaholo and translator Paddy Carr for negotiations. In exchange for promises of peace, the Creeks were allowed to retain some of their lands. After supporting federal troops during the Seminole War of 1835-1842, Menewa was nevertheless forced to relocate to Indian Territory.