thumb|Black Hoof from an posthumous 1836 [[lithograph published in History of the Indian Tribes of North America]]

thumb|Black Hoof's headstone in [[Saint Johns, Ohio]]

Catecahassa (spelled Ca-ta-he-cas-sa) or Black Hoof (c. 1740 – 1831) was the head civil chief of the Shawnee Indians in the Ohio Country during the late 18th and 19th centuries. A member of the Mekoche division of the Shawnees, Black Hoof became known as a fierce warrior during the early wars between the Shawnee and encroaching American settlers. His long time serving as chief, until his death in 1831, he was involved in major events from the French and Indian war to the War of 1812 where he played a pivotal role to the Shawnee response to U.S. expansion. Black Hoof claimed to have been present at the Battle of the Monongahela in 1755 when General Edward Braddock was defeated during the French and Indian War, although there is no contemporary evidence that Shawnees took part in that battle.

Black Hoof was believed to be born around the early or mid-18th century with his exact birth year being unknown. As a child he may have been a member of a wandering band of some 400 Shawnees led by Peter Chartier between 1745 and 1748, who founded the community in Kentucky called Eskippakithiki and later moved to Sylacauga, Alabama, eventually settling in Old Shawneetown, Illinois. He probably took part in the Battle of Point Pleasant during Lord Dunmore's War against the Virginia militia in 1774. Black Hoof claimed to have been present at General Edward Braddocks defeat in 1755, battle of Monongahela during the French and Indian War. By the 1780s, Black Hoofs impressive career in war had earned the respect of his people and he had become recognized as one of the Shawnees leading war chiefs.

Black Hoofs newfound respect from both sides had put him in position to be placed as a diplomat. In an 1802 conference, Black Hoof gave a speech to promote diplomacy and demonstrated his commitment to peace. Observerse noted that Black Hoof was known for his oratorical skills, and it is recorded that he served as the Shawnees spokesman in dealings with the U.S. for many years after.

Like Little Turtle of the Miamis, Black Hoof decided that Native Americans needed to adapt culturally to the ways of the Euro-Americans in order to prevent decimation through warfare. During his later years, Black Hoof became an ally of the United States and was responsible for keeping the majority of the Shawnee nation from joining Tecumseh's War, which became part of the War of 1812.

Black Hoof resisted the policy of Indian removal that the United States implemented soon after the War of 1812. He never signed a removal treaty, and continued to lead his tribe until his death in Saint Johns, Ohio in 1831. After his death, the Shawnee were eventually compelled to emigrate to the West. thumb|right | Artist depiction of Black Hoof

References

  • Grant, Bruce. Concise Encyclopedia of the American Indian, 3rd ed., Wings Books: New York, 2000.
  • Address of Black Hoof to President Thomas Jefferson, 5 February 1802 at National Archives