Library of Congress

Famous Indians Library of Congress

Warriors, statesmen, prophets, and scholars; the firmest of friends and most formidable of foes: there are heroes (and heroines) of many kinds in the often tragic, yet inspiring saga of North American Indians. Most-but not all-of the Indian personalities whose lives are briefly described here were Chiefs; some of them have become famous around the world. All were leaders in a great struggle to preserve treasured lands and lifeways. With their tribesmen, they are inseparably linked to our country's history from its earliest beginnings through generations of growth.