Winnemucca

(Poito)

1820–1882

Winnemucca
'HE SPREAD HIS ARMS AS A SIGN OF PEACE.'
Winnemucca, known to the white settlers as Truckee, was born a Shoshoni Indian, but after marrying a Paiute woman he was made of the tribe. He became chief of the Kuyuidika, a branch of the Northern Paiute, and he famously met Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their journey to the Pacific Ocean. The Indian chief offered to lead them to the Columbia River, but the explorers declined the offer.

Winnemucca was greatly renowned for his kindness towards white men; he guided John C. Fremont on his expedition to California, and he served during the Mexican American War. He was also the maternal grandparent of Sarah Winnemucca, a Paiute translator who would later travel the western U.S. to petition on the side of her people. In 1860, he developed a serious infection and passed away. Sarah and her father, also named Winnemucca, were present at his death.


Key events during the life of Winnemucca:


Year
Event
1805
Met Lewis and Clark.
1843-45
Guided John C. Fremont in his journey to California.
1860
Died.

Other Resources


Story Links
Book Links
Winnemucca, Chief of the Paiutes  in  Famous Indian Chiefs I Have Known  by  Oliver Otis Howard


Image Links


He spread out his arms as a sign of peace
 in Famous Indian Chiefs I Have Known


Contemporary
Short Biography
John C. Fremont American explorer who, along with Kit Carson, led an expedition to California by way of Wyoming and Nevada.
Merriwether Lewis With William Clark, followed the Missouri river to its source, crossed the Rockies and followed the Columbia to the Pacific Ocean.
William Clark Led an expedition up the Missouri River, map-making, gathering information, and looking for a passage to the Pacific Ocean.
Sarah Winnemucca Daughter of Chief Winnemucca. Served as translator between Piutes and U.S. Army. Wrote a book.