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Chief Tecopa Peacemaker of the Paiutes

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Nevada » Chief Tecopa Peacemaker of the Paiutes

Chief Tecopa

Chief Tecopa Overview

Chief Tecopa, born about 1815, was a young man when the first European Americans came to Southern Nevada.

From The Pioche Record – Pioche, Nevada – Thursday, February 8, 1894 – Page 4

The Pahrump valley has not been noted for its civilization, A band of renegade Indians a mixture of Mojaves, Chiogowayraa and Piutes, all of which inhabit that country- have settled in it. They once had a chief, and when he died his son was the candidate for the chieftainship. The tribe did not want him and would not elect him, so they went without a head, but not for long. Tecopa stepped into the job and has since held it, and is looked up to as the chief. Chief Tecopa’a attire consists of a plug hat and an old striped shirt, Once in a while he wears trousers, but very seldom. When the projector of the new road went there Chief Tecopa said that he owned all that country, and that his consent was necessary before any railroads could be built. His consent could be bought for a plug hat and a red striped shirt. These being promised over a pipe, Tecopa allowed the white chief to proceed with his railroad. 

He is honored for the peaceful relations he maintained between the Southern Paiutes and the settlers who came to live among them. 

Chief Tecopa

Mojave River Valley Museum collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Nevada Historical Marker Category

Native American

Nevada Historical Marker Marker Type

Blue marker

Nevada Historical Marker Number

Chief Tecopa is Nevada Historical Marker #171.

Click here to view the complete list of Nevada State Historical Markers.

County

Nye County, Nevada

GPS Coordinates

36.209098, -115.989518

Nevada Historical Marker Transcription

Chief Tecopa was a young man when the first European Americans came to Southern Nevada.  As a leader among the Southern Paiutes, he fought with vigor to save their land and maintain a traditional way of life.  He soon realized if his people were to survive and prosper, he would have to establish peace and live in harmony with the foreigners.

During his life, which spanned almost the entire nineteenth century, his time and energy were devoted to the betterment of his people until his death here in Pahrump Valley.

Chief Tecopa is honored for the peaceful relations he maintained between the Southern Paiutes and the settlers who came to live among them.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO.  171

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

CALIFORNIA & NEVADA DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION

References Used

Chief Tecopa