Comcomly (tribal leader)
Comcomly was a prominent Chinook tribal leader known for his significant interactions with early American explorers and traders in the early 19th century. He played a crucial role in assisting Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during their expedition to the Columbia River in 1805, which was vital for westward exploration. In 1811, Comcomly helped John Jacob Astor's fur traders after they were shipwrecked, and he later welcomed the Overland Astorians, who established the Astoria trading post. To strengthen relationships with these traders, he offered his daughter in marriage to Duncan M'Dougal, the leader of the expedition.
Comcomly also demonstrated political acumen during the War of 1812 by providing military support to the Americans, and later aiding the British when American forces withdrew from the area. Known for his wealth and lavish lifestyle, he often traveled with a large entourage, showcasing his status through extravagant displays. His life ended in 1830 due to smallpox, and his death was marked by a troubling incident in which his skull was stolen and sold. Comcomly's legacy reflects the complexities of Indigenous leadership during a time of significant change and interaction with European settlers.
Comcomly (tribal leader)
Category: Tribal leader
Tribal affiliation: Chinook
Significance: Comcomly, a Chinook, aided white exploration of the Northwest Coast
A Chinook leader, Comcomly assisted Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they traveled to the mouth of the Columbia River in 1805. In 1811, he aided John Jacob Astor’s fur traders, who had been shipwrecked while traveling on the Tonquin. The following year, he welcomed Astor’s minions, the Overland Astorians, who established the Astoria trading post at the mouth of the Astoria River. To secure relations with the traders, he offered his daughter in marriage to Duncan M’Dougal, leader of the Astorians’ expedition.
During the War of 1812, Comcomly extended military support to the Americans. The following year, when the Americans abandoned their post, he aided the British who moved into the region.
An extraordinarily wealthy man, Comcomly relished extravagant displays. During visits to Vancouver, he was accompanied by three hundred slaves, who carpeted his path from ship to town with beaver and otter furs.
After his death from smallpox in 1830, his skull was stolen by a white trader, who then sold it in Edinburgh.