“Peace Circle” depicts a meeting of Republic of Texas President Sam Houston and ten American Indian chiefs/ captains from the Delaware, Chickasaw, Waco, Tawakoni, Keechi, Caddo, Anadarko, Ioni, Biloxi and Cherokee Nations on the Grape Vine Prairie in 1843. The Peace Circle meeting later led to the signing of the Treaty at Bird’s Fort, which defined Indian Nations and European settlement boundaries, one of the few Indian treaties ratified by the Republic of Texas Senate.
At the dedication on September 18, 2021 Peace Medals were presented to representatives of each Indian nation, signifying that Grapevine reaffirms the commitment to peace and friendship Sam Houston promised in 1843. Each medal incorporates a replica of the original 19th century presidential peace medal design depicting a handshake, peace pipe and tomahawk.
The statues were created by Grapevine artist-in-residence Linda Lewis, and the features of the leaders and the tribal clothing of that time period were thoroughly researched to ensure accuracy. Each leader’s physical attributes and the smallest details of historic clothing were garnered from consulting tribal members, pouring over photographs and paintings, and working with relatives to confirm that the representations were accurate to each tribal nation. These representations were approved by the Native nations they represent.
Here is a list of the statues:
General Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas The statue of Sam Houston depicts him as he was dressed in that final meeting – wearing his velvet, fox-embroidered suit, his silver spurs and an Indian blanket thrown over his shoulder to proclaim his brotherhood with the 10 chiefs and captains who had gathered for peace.
·Delaware Chief Roasting Ear
Chief Roasting Ear, the patriarch of the Delaware Indians in Texas, was an orator, councilor and diplomat, and was the first chief to sign the Treaty at Bird’s Fort.
·Chickasaw Captain Ishteukatubby
Captain Ishteukatubby was described on the record in the United States Supreme Court as “a Chickasaw in whom every confidence can be placed.” Captain Ishteukatubby’s descendants are still active in their nation and will be present.
·Waco Chief Acahquash
Chief Acahquash, revered friend of President Sam Houston, had a great reputation as a negotiator and was a mediator between the Republic of Texas and the Penateka Comanche.
·Tawakoni Chief Kechikaroqua
Sometimes called the Old Tawakoni Chief, Kechikaroqua was a highly respected elder who served as the principal chief of the Tawakoni and was the acknowledged chief of the allied tribes of Texas.
·Keechi Chief Kateahtick
Chief Kateahtick was elected by the Keechi warriors to serve as the principal chief of the Keechi people. In 1843, he was for peace, but only trusted one white man, Sam Houston.
·Caddo Chief Red Bear
Chief Red Bear was an articulate and wise man who said, “I am determined to lay down the hatchet against all white and red men and seek a country of peace.”
·Anadarko Chief Jose Maria
Chief Jose Maria, or Caddi Ha-Iesh, was a highly respected principal chief. President Sam Houston proclaimed, “He is a great man and a good friend.”
·Ioni Chief Towaash
Because of his leadership, in July 1846 Chief Towaash went to Washington, D.C., to meet President James K. Polk and received a large silver James K. Polk Peace Medal.
·Biloxi Chief Hoyo Tubby
Chief Hoyo Tubby signed the Treaty of Bird’s Fort, committing the Biloxi people to the terms of the treaty of peace and friendship.
·Cherokee Captain Chicken Trotter
The youngest and the final leader to sign the Treaty of Bird’s Fort, Captain Chicken Trotter, was actually Devereaux Jarrett Bell who used his alias as his treaty signature.
