The Pushmataha Center

Who is Pushmataha?

Pushmataha, a Native American Chief of the Choctaw Nation, was a warrior, diplomat and gifted negotiator.  He effectively confronted a rapidly changing era caused by the ever-expanding European and American presence. In this same spirit of leadership and diplomacy, Keep Sedona Beautiful works to fulfill its mission in the face of an ever changing cultural and economic landscape.

 
Few Choctaws from the early 1800s are better known than Pushmataha. He negotiated several well-publicized treaties with the United States, led Choctaws in support of the Americans during the War of 1812, is mentioned in nearly all histories of the Choctaws, is buried in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., and, in April 2001, a new Pushmataha portrait was unveiled to hang in the Hall of Fame of the State of Mississippi in the Old Capitol Museum in Jackson, Mississippi. Early twentieth-century ethnologist John Swanton referred to Pushmataha as the greatest of all Choctaw chiefs.
 
What is known about him suggests that Pushmataha was an exceptional man and charismatic leader. He had deep roots in the ancient Choctaw world, a world characterized by spiritual power and traditional notions of culture. In addition, Pushmataha effectively confronted a rapidly changing era caused by the ever-expanding European and American presence.

                                                                                                                                      Painting of Pushmataha

                                                                                                                                    by Charles Bird King, 1824
   

• • • • •

Keep Sedona Beautiful promotes conservation of the greater Sedona area, and, by all practical means, seeks to preserve the unique natural environment and to enhance the quality of life for future generations. Make a donation to Keep Sedona Beautiful: