Scholarly Survey: Three Choctaw Chiefs – Indian Removal

 

Three Choctaw Chiefs – Indian Removal

The separation of Pushmataha, Mushulatubbee, and Apuckshunubbee is an important event in the early 19th-century history of the Choctaw Nation. These three chiefs were significant figures in the political and military leadership of the Choctaw people, each leading different factions or districts within the nation with their distinct views and priorities. Pushmataha led the western Choctaw, while Mushulatubbee and Apuckshunubbee led other factions within the Choctaw Nation, focusing on the eastern and southern parts of the territory. This division was not merely geographical but also represented differences in leadership styles and attitudes toward relations with the United States and other Native tribes.

Pushmataha, known for his military expertise and diplomatic efforts, led the western Choctaw district and played a crucial role in the Choctaw’s relationship with the United States, particularly during the War of 1812 and the Creek War. His alignment with the U.S. government made him an important diplomatic figure, but it also caused tensions with other leaders who were more reserved about cooperating with the Americans. He advocated for alliances to protect the Choctaw Nation from settlers and competing Native groups.

Conversely, Mushulatubbee and Apuckshunubbee, leading other factions of the Choctaw Nation, had differing perspectives on dealing with the United States. Mushulatubbee, leading the eastern Choctaw district, was skeptical of the U.S. government and its intentions. He focused on preserving traditional Choctaw ways and resisting external pressures. Apuckshunubbee, leading the southern district, shared concerns about the encroachment of settlers on Choctaw lands. The division between the three chiefs reflected different strategies in navigating the changes of the early 19th century as the Choctaw Nation faced pressure from American settlers and the U.S. government. While the separation of these chiefs did not cause significant fragmentation within the Choctaw Nation, it marked a turning point in the tribe’s political dynamics. The division of leadership allowed for a diversified approach to governance, with different districts adapting to the pressures they faced. The unity of the Choctaw leaders came under threat with the prospect of forced relocation, requiring difficult decisions regarding their people's survival. Despite differing views, the leaders ultimately collaborated to address the challenges of the Indian Removal era, although their divisions indicated the complex decisions and negotiations that would ensue.

Photo1 is Pushmataha and Photo 2 is Mushulatubbee, both courtesy of Wikipedia.

Baird, W. D. (1979). The Choctaws in Oklahoma: From the Removal to the New Deal. University of Oklahoma Press.

Fixico, D. L. (2001). Choctaw Nation: The History of the Choctaws. University of New Mexico Press.

McKenna, R. W. (1991). The Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the Impact on the Choctaw. Journal of American History, 78(2), 512-533.

Merrell, H. N. (2009). The Choctaw Nation: A Story of Survival. University of Oklahoma Press.

Watters, C. W. (1937). Pushmataha: Choctaw Chief. University of Oklahoma Press.

Wells, S. J. (2000). The Choctaw and the American Revolution. The University of Alabama Press.