Welcome to the Wisconsin State Historical Marker 596, dedicated to Na-Ya-To-Shingh, also known as Chief Mishicott, a prominent Potawatomi leader. This marker is located in the village of Mishicot, Wisconsin, a place named in his honor. Chief Mishicott played a significant role in the early 19th century as the Potawatomi people navigated the challenges of European settlement and expansion in the Great Lakes region.
Born in the late 18th century, Na-Ya-To-Shingh rose to prominence through his leadership during a time of great change for his people. The Potawatomi, originally part of the Council of Three Fires along with the Ottawa and the Ojibwe, were known for their adaptability and resilience. As European settlers arrived, tensions mounted, leading to various treaties and land cessions that dramatically altered the Potawatomi way of life.
Chief Mishicott is remembered for his efforts to maintain peace and negotiate with settlers, striving to secure a future for his people amidst the encroaching pressures. His leadership was instrumental during the period of forced removals in the 1830s, known as the Potawatomi Trail of Death, although many Potawatomi, including Mishicott’s band, managed to remain in Wisconsin.
Over the years, Mishicot evolved from a small settlement into a thriving village, retaining its connection to its indigenous roots through its name and historical markers like this one. The village serves as a reminder of the complex history of Native American and European settler interactions in the Midwest.
As you stand here, imagine the world of Chief Mishicott—dense forests and clear rivers, the Potawatomi camps bustling with life, and the spirit of a leader dedicated to his people in a rapidly changing world.
