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Quanah Parker: The Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History

Greg Foster

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Published in Empire Of The Summer Moon: Quanah Parker And The Rise And Fall Of The Comanches The Most Powerful Indian Tribe In American History

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Quanah Parker was a Comanche war chief who led his people through a period of great change. He was born in 1845 to a Comanche father and a white mother who had been captured by the tribe. Parker grew up to be a skilled warrior and a respected leader. He fought against the United States Army in the Red River War and later negotiated the surrender of his people. Parker's life is a fascinating story of courage, resilience, and adaptation.

The Rise of the Comanches

The Comanches were a nomadic people who lived on the southern plains of North America. They were skilled horsemen and buffalo hunters. In the early 19th century, the Comanches began to acquire horses from the Spanish and became a powerful force on the plains. They raided settlements and fought against other tribes. By the mid-19th century, the Comanches were the most powerful Indian tribe in the Southwest.

Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History

by S. C. Gwynne

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6759 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	396 pages

Quanah Parker's Early Life

Quanah Parker was born in 1845 in the Comanche camp near present-day Quanah, Texas. His father was Peta Nocona, a Comanche war chief, and his mother was Cynthia Ann Parker, a white woman who had been captured by the Comanches in 1836. Parker grew up in the Comanche tradition and was trained to be a warrior. He was a skilled hunter and horseman. He also learned the Comanche language and customs.

The Red River War

In 1874, the United States Army launched a campaign against the Comanches and other tribes on the southern plains. The campaign was known as the Red River War. Parker and his followers fought against the Army in several battles. However, the Comanches were outnumbered and outgunned. In 1875, Parker and his people surrendered to the Army. They were taken to a reservation in Oklahoma.

Life on the Reservation

Parker and his people struggled to adapt to life on the reservation. They were forced to give up their traditional way of life and learn new ways of farming and ranching. Parker became a leader of his people on the reservation. He worked to improve the lives of his people and to preserve their culture. He also served as a delegate to the United States Congress.

The Death of Quanah Parker

Quanah Parker died in 1911 at the age of 66. He was buried in the Comanche cemetery in Oklahoma. Parker was a complex and controversial figure. He was a fierce warrior who fought against the United States Army. He was also a wise leader who worked to improve the lives of his people. Parker's life is a fascinating story of courage, resilience, and adaptation.

The Legacy of the Comanches

The Comanches were a powerful and proud people. They were skilled warriors and buffalo hunters. They also had a rich culture and tradition. The Comanches were forced to give up their traditional way of life after the Red River War. However, they have survived and continue to live on reservations in Oklahoma and Texas. The Comanches are a reminder of the rich history and culture of the Native Americans of the Great Plains.

Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History

by S. C. Gwynne

4.8 out of 5