Big Warrior
Big Warrior was a prominent figure of Shawnee ancestry who became the principal chief of the Upper Creek town of Tukhabahchee around 1802. He played a significant role during a tumultuous period in early 19th-century American history, particularly amid rising tensions between Native American tribes and European settlers. In 1811, he hosted the influential Shawnee leader Tecumseh, raising speculation about potential alliances against American expansion. However, in 1812, Big Warrior's allegiance shifted as he led his warriors to follow the Creek National Council’s orders to retaliate against hostile factions, which contributed to the onset of the Creek civil war.
During this conflict, Big Warrior faced opposition from the Red Stick faction and endured a siege of his town but managed to escape and align with American forces during the Creek War. He later signed the Treaty of Fort Jackson in 1814, although he was discontented with the significant land concessions that adversely affected friendly Creek tribes. His opposition to further land cessions continued until his death in Washington in 1825, where he was actively engaged in discussions against the ratification of the Treaty of Indian Springs. Big Warrior’s life reflects the complex dynamics of Native American leadership, resistance, and the impact of colonial expansion.
Subject Terms
Big Warrior
- Born: Unknown
- Birthplace: Place unknown
- Died: March 8, 1825
- Place of death: Washington, D.C.
Tribal affiliation: Creek
Significance: Big Warrior’s decision to fight on the American side in the Creek War of 1813-1814 contributed to the defeat of the Red Sticks
Of Shawnee ancestry, by 1802 Big Warrior had become principal chief of the important Upper Creek town of Tukhabahchee. In 1811, as a religious revival and resentment at white encroachments swept through Indian country, Big Warrior hosted the Shawnee pan-Indian leader Tecumseh at Tukhabahchee. Many thought that he would join the anti-American Red Stick faction. In 1812, however, his warriors carried out the order of the Creek National Council to punish Creeks who had attacked white settlers. This helped to bring on a Creek civil war, in which Big Warrior became a target of the Red Sticks. Tukhabahchee was besieged, but Big Warrior was able to escape and fight on the American side of the Creek War.
Big Warrior signed the Treaty of Fort Jackson in 1814. He was angered, however, at the American demand for a large land cession that penalized friendly Creeks as severely as Red Sticks. Opposing further land cessions, he died in Washington in 1825 while arguing against ratification of the Treaty of Indian Springs.