Hiawatha

Date of Birth: c. 1525

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: c. 1595

Biography

Hiawatha, a prominent figure in Native American history, was a statesman and co-founder of the Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee or the “People of the Longhouse.” He played a pivotal role in uniting the five Iroquois tribes: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. Hiawatha’s vision of peace and unity among the tribes was instrumental in the creation of the Great Law of Peace, a constitution that governed the Iroquois Confederacy for centuries. Hiawatha’s early life is largely shrouded in mystery, but he is believed to have been born into the Onondaga tribe and later became a Mohawk war chief. His life took a significant turn when he met the Great Peacemaker, another key figure in the formation of the Iroquois Confederacy. Together, they traveled to different tribes, spreading their message of peace and unity. Hiawatha’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, as the Iroquois Confederacy served as a model of governance that inspired the founding fathers of the United States. His legacy continues to be celebrated in Native American culture and history.

5 Interesting Facts about Hiawatha

1. Hiawatha was instrumental in the creation of the Great Law of Peace, which is considered one of the oldest participatory democracies in the world.

2. He is often depicted as a central figure in Longfellow’s famous poem “The Song of Hiawatha,” although the poem is more myth than historical account.

3. Hiawatha’s efforts in uniting the Iroquois tribes significantly reduced inter-tribal warfare and fostered a period of peace and prosperity.

4. The Iroquois Confederacy influenced the drafting of the United States Constitution, particularly in terms of federalism and democratic governance.

5. Hiawatha’s name means “He who combs,” referencing his role in “combing out” discord and bringing peace.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hiawatha

1. “We bind ourselves together by taking hold of each other’s hands so firmly and forming a circle so strong that if a tree should fall upon it, it could not shake or break it, so that our people and grandchildren shall remain in the circle of security, peace, and happiness.”

2. “Peace will be our reward, and a future of safety and security will be our legacy.”

3. “Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.”

4. “The seeds of discord must be removed if we are to plant the seeds of peace.”

5. “Our strength lies in our unity, and our future lies in our hands.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a historical figure from the 16th century, Hiawatha did not accumulate wealth in the modern sense. His legacy, however, is invaluable and immeasurable in terms of cultural and historical impact.

Children

Information about Hiawatha’s children remains largely undocumented in historical texts. His focus was primarily on the unification and welfare of the Iroquois tribes as a whole.