Piominko, Chickasaw Leader

by Thomas Cowger, Mitch Caver

More than two hundred years ago, Chickasaws confronted the unrelenting whirlwind of intrigue, treachery, and uncertainty that surrounded the American Revolution. The Spanish, the British, and the colonies that would become the fledgling United States either courted the Chickasaws’ favor or plotted against them. The times called for leaders who could find the most certain path toward the Chickasaws’ survival and the preservation of their sovereignty. Out of those times, from the ranks of Chickasaw warriors, came Piominko, who rose to a position of leadership, recognition, and trust achieved by few others during that pivotal period in history.

In 1794, Piominko met with President George Washington in Philadelphia, an event set down in history’s record by future President John Quincy Adams. Their conclave helped forge the relationship between the Chickasaw Nation and the US government that has lasted since and has been an important ingredient in the persistence and renaissance of the Chickasaws as a sovereign people and culture. Piominko: Chickasaw Leader tells the story of a Native American leader whose unwavering dedication in the face of monumental challenges proved crucial to the survival of two nations—his and the United States.

170 pages, Hardcover

First published May 11, 2017

Reviews

[Cynthiahowle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is a terrific read especially for those interested in the history of the southeastern United States. Piominko's life helps fill history gaps during the Revolutionary period when southern states stood as territories occupied by native people.

The book is well-researched and written and should be included in high school history curriculum. It makes the reader wonder how many other incredible stories are out there that we are unfamiliar with deserving a page in our American history...

[MexSteve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fills in a huge gap left out of my history books. Never did I know of such an important leader from the Chickasaw nation. Truly a Leader of Leaders, diplomat, negotiator, protector of his people. Tremendous research had to have been done by the authors to get this information. A book way over due. A must read for any person interested in the true history of our Native Americans and how the newly established Nation benefited from such a friendship.