Menawa, a Creek Warrior

Menawa, a Creek Warrior

Charles Bird King (1785-1862). Menawa, a Creek Warrior. Hand-colored lithograph, Plate 67. McKenney, Thomas L. & Hall, James. History of the Indian Tribes of North America. Philadelphia: F.W. Greenough, 1838-1844.
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As a young man, Great Warrior (Menawa), ca. 1765-ca. 1865 (Creek), was known as Crazy War Hunter in recognition of his daring military exploits and audacious horse raids.  He was a supporter of the British in the War of 1812 and opposed the cession of tribal lands to the Whites.  Menawa led the group which executed McIntosh, a Creek leader who did favor cession and removal to western lands and who was condemned as a traitor.  Menawa's portrait was painted by King when he visited Washington, D.C. in 1826 to protest the 1821 treaty of cession signed by McIntosh.  Although he fought in support of the United States in the Seminole War and was granted permission to remain on eastern lands, he was forced west in the 1836-1840 Removal to Indian Territory.