Red Shoes
Red Shoes was a significant figure in the Choctaw tribe during a tumultuous period of factionalism that peaked in the mid-18th century. He emerged as an ally of the French, earning a medal for his service following the Natchez Revolt of 1729. However, his stance shifted as he became a proponent of peace with the Chickasaw and advocated for trade with English merchants in South Carolina. This change in allegiance was likely influenced by various factors, including a shortage of goods from the French and personal connections, notably through marriage. His efforts to encourage other Choctaw towns to move away from French dependence contributed to deep political rifts within the tribe. Unfortunately, this shift led to threats against his life, as French diplomats sought to eliminate his influence. Red Shoes was ultimately assassinated on June 22, 1747, while escorting an English trader. His legacy reflects the complexities of tribal alliances and conflicts during a significant era in Native American history.
Subject Terms
Red Shoes
- Born: c. 1700
- Birthplace: New Stockbridge, New York
- Died: June 22, 1748
- Place of death: Unknown
Tribal affiliation: Choctaw
Significance: Red Shoes was an advocate of peace and trade with whites
Red Shoes rose to prominence during the period of factionalism in the Choctaw tribe that culminated in civil war between 1746 and 1750. The Choctaw were allied with the French, fighting against the English and their Chickasaw allies. Red Shoes was awarded a French medal for his loyal service soon after the Natchez Revolt of 1729. Soon afterward, however, he became an advocate of peace with the Chickasaw and trade with English merchants from South Carolina. His reasons may have included a chronic shortage of trade goods from the French, his marriage connections with the Chickasaw, or the fact that his wife suffered a rape at the hands of the French. Whatever the reason, Red Shoes was received with ceremony by the English at Charleston in 1738.
Red Shoes attempted to sway other Choctaw towns away from their dependence on the French, and ultimately contributed to serious political divisions in the tribe. French diplomats, desperate to reestablish their influence before losing their loyal allies to either an English alliance or unpredictable neutrality, conspired to induce other Choctaw war chiefs to assassinate Red Shoes. He was murdered on June 22, 1747, while escorting an English trader from the Creek towns to Choctaw territory.
Red Shoes was probably from the village of Couechitto. His name derives from the Choctaw title for war chief, soulouche oumastabe, or red shoe killer.