“Chief Black Hoof” returns to Greene County --- two hundred years later
Chief Black Hoof of the Shawnee Nation will be returning to Greene County ---- nearly two hundred years after he left ---through a historical interpretation presentation hosted by the Greene County Archives at 1 p.m., Saturday, July 8, at Oldtown Reserve, 1360 Old Springfield Pike, Xenia.
The presentation is a great opportunity for participants to be both educated and entertained, says the Greene County Archives Records Manager/Archivist.
“The Greene County Archives is dedicated to preserving and honoring the past,” says Heise. “Listening to the riveting tale of Chief Black Hoof through a historical interpretation brings Greene County history to life. It’s a great chance for families and individuals of all ages to share in a one-of-a-kind experience.”
The Greene County Parks & Trails site is known as the birthplace of Chief Tecumseh of the Shawnee Nation.
Chief Black Hoof will be portrayed by William “Rusty” Cottrel, who is active with local historical interpretation and heritage organizations. He has portrayed historical characters ranging from Continental soldiers, frontiersmen, musicians and Native Americans.
The event is being held in conjunction with the Tecumseh-Canada Day celebration, which will include the burial of a time capsule in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, which will be opened in 2117.
Chief Black Hoof was born in approximately 1720 "near salt water" in what is now known as the state of Florida. Migrating with other Shawnee to Ohio in the middle of the 18th century, he is known for supporting the American government after the American Revolution, providing spies to Americans during the War of 1812, transforming Shawnee culture from a tribal to farming society, and establishing three Shawnee reservations in Ohio. He is believed to have been more than 100 years old when he died near Wapakoneta.
Participants are asked to bring their own chair or blanket, as well as bug spray and bottled water as needed. The event is free and open to the public.
The Greene County Archives, 535 Ledbetter Rd., Xenia, is the repository housing county records of historical and genealogical value and is committed to ensuring the availability and accessibility of these records to both present and future generations of Greene County residents.
For more information, contact Greene County Archives at 937.562.6489 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..