Peter Perkins Pitchlynn
Peter Perkins Pitchlynn was a prominent figure in the Choctaw Nation during the 19th century, known for his leadership and political involvement. As the son of John Pitchlynn, a U.S. interpreter for the Choctaw tribe, Peter was raised in an environment that fostered interactions with white settlers. Educated at Nashville University, he returned to his community to lead the lighthorse force in 1824, an organization responsible for maintaining law and order within the Choctaw lands. In 1860, following the adoption of a constitution by the Choctaw tribe, he was elected as principal chief, a role he held from 1864 to 1866.
During his tenure, Pitchlynn advocated for Choctaw neutrality during the Civil War, although the tribe ultimately aligned with the Confederacy. He played a critical role in signing an armistice that concluded Choctaw involvement in the conflict. Additionally, Pitchlynn dealt with the financial repercussions of the war, particularly regarding funds from land sales that were largely lost during the turmoil. He was also a significant figure at the Fort Smith Council, where he addressed issues of slavery and the status of freedmen in relation to the tribe. Throughout his career, Pitchlynn worked to resist the forced consolidation of the Choctaw Nation with other tribes, reflecting his commitment to the sovereignty and welfare of his people.
Subject Terms
Peter Perkins Pitchlynn
- Born: January 30, 1806
- Birthplace: Present-day Mississippi
- Died: January 17, 1881
- Place of death: Washington, D.C.
Tribal affiliation: Choctaw
Significance: As leader and representative of the Choctaw Nation, Pitchlynn worked for his people’s rights in tribal consolidation, relocation, government reimbursement, and involvement in the Civil War
Peter Pitchlynn was the son of John Pitchlynn, a Choctaw interpreter for the United States. The Choctaw tribe had fairly readily accepted whites, and as the younger Pitchlynn grew up, interaction with them was quite commonplace. He was educated at Nashville University and returned to the Choctaw Nation where he headed, in 1824, the lighthorse force. Members of this force served as judges, juries, and sheriffs, riding across the Choctaw lands settling difficulties between parties and individuals. The United States provided a permanent annuity for this organization, beginning in 1825.
After the Choctaws adopted a constitution in 1860, Pitchlynn was elected to the central executive position, or principal chief, and served in that capacity from 1864 to 1866. Pitchlynn had argued, unsuccessfully, for Choctaw neutrality during the Civil War, but as principal chief he was able to sign an armistice ending Choctaw involvement in the war as a member of the Confederacy.
Pitchlynn also handled matters involving the so-called Net Proceeds, United States government money paid to the Choctaw Nation from sales of ceded Choctaw land. These funds, appropriated in 1859, were almost totally lost or dissipated during the confusion surrounding the Civil War. The fact that the Choctaw had joined the Confederacy, against the counsel of Pitchlynn, lost them their claim to much of the money.
He also served at the Fort Smith Council, which required the Choctaws to either abolish slavery and accept the freedmen into the tribe as equals or provide other appropriate provisions for them. Pitchlynn served as a delegate in Washington, and while there he fought against the forced consolidation of Choctaws with neighboring tribes, and against the removal of the Choctaws to the Oklahoma Territory.