Historical Timeline
1400s
First migration to Michigan's lower peninsula. According to Potawatomi tradition, the Odawas, Ojibwas and Potawatomi were initially a single tribe, known as "three fires" or "three brothers," due to their similar way of life.
1500sWar ensued when the Iroquois Confederacy, supplied with British firearms, began infringing upon Potawatomi hunting territory.
1634First known contact with the white civilization. Drawn by the curiosity of white skin and long beards, the Potawatomi, then living in the Michigan area, traveled to Wisconsin to meet the French explorer Jean Nicolet.
1641The Potawatomi were driven into the Wisconsin area by the Iroquois Confederacy, and there entered into trade relations with the French, becoming politically and economically dependent upon the French.
1750-60The Potawatomi allied with the French during the Seven Years War, who eventually lost the battle for control of the "New World." In need of trade goods, the Potawatomi entered into an alliance with the British.
1776When the Revolutionary War began, the Potawatomi initially chose to stay neutral, but eventually sided with the English in a losing battle. The American colonies made the tribes pay dearly for siding with the British. The Potawatomi referred to the American colonies as "13 Fires." The Potawatomi and other tribes aided in the victorious uprising at Fort Recovery, Ohio.
1782A coalition of Potawatomi, Delaware and Mingos defeated an American militia commanded by Col. William Crawford. In tribal legend, the Delaware were considered the "older brother" by the Potawatomi. Battle of Blue Licks, August 18, was the last major Potawatomi action in the Revolutionary War.
1782-92Preliminary treaty signed November 30, ending the Revolutionary War. The British maintained ties with the tribes in case the union between the states crumbled.
1803-09Several treaties, including the Treaty of Fort Wayne eroded the Potawatomi land base in Illinois and Indiana.
1812Potawatomi sided with the great Shawnee leader, Tecumseh, who advocated a "Red Confederacy" to defeat the oncoming white civilization. The tribes failed to resolve their differences and the "divide and conquer" concept prevailed.
1813-15As natural resources and the fur trade declined, the Potawatomi began to rely more heavily on the commodities and government of the white man.
1820Many new agencies were established at Green Bay, Prairie du Chien and Peoria.
Forts were built at Chicago, Green Bay, Prairie du Chien and Rhode Island. Tribal fragmentation and growing dependence upon annuities made the Potawatomi susceptible to the government's aggressive land policies in the post-war period.
The 1829 Treaty of Prairie du Chien reserved two sections of land near Paw Paw Grove, Illinois for Potawatomi Chief Shab-eh-nay and his Band.
1830Prompted by humanitarian reasons, the U.S. government initiated a removal policy, depriving the Potawatomi of additional land through the treaty process. In 1830 the Indian Removal Act narrowly passed and was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson.
1833The Potawatomi relinquished the remainder of their initial 28 million-acre homeland in the Great Lakes area, when the Treaty of Chicago was signed, except the reservation granted by the Treaty of Prairie du Chien, which was never included in the cession treaties. The tribe splintered, with some moving west, others fleeing to Canada, and some finding refuge in the nearby forest. Some tribes later returned to the area.
1835-36The Potawatomi settled in "The Platte Country" area of Missouri. The State of Missouri soon annexed the land after a successful lobbying effort.
1837The Potawatomi divided into two separate groups. One group went to the Council Bluffs area of the future state of Iowa; the other settled in future Linn County, Kansas. The tribe was divided over the acceptance of European culture and religion.
1837-46The Potawatomi resided in two separate areas until the settlers and politicians annexed the tribal land. In July 1846, a treaty reunited the two Potawatomi groups, however, they did not settle together. One tribe settled on the Kansas River and the other on the Big and Little Soldier Creeks in future Jackson County. Tribal land encompassed 576,000 acres.
1849In 1849, the reservation granted to Chief Shab-eh-nay in the Treaty of Prairie du Chien was illegally sold through public auction by the U.S. government. Since an act of Congress or a subsequent treaty is necessary to extinguish the Tribe's right to that reservation, it continues to legally belong to the Prairie Band.
1854The passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act opened tribal land to white settlement. Squatters occupied tribal land before treaties could be signed.
1861Past tribal land differences, based largely on religion, couldn't be resolved, so a new treaty was initiated. The tribal band from Linn County became U.S. citizens, while the other retained the common land, choosing to follow their traditional, ancestral ways.
1867The Treaty of 1861 was revised, and two new tribes were formed. The Prairie Band of Potawatomi kept 77,358 acres in Jackson County. The Citizen Band of Potawatomi sold all their Kansas holdings and moved to the current area of Shawnee, Oklahoma.
1887Despite tribal objections, passage of the Dawes Act forced tribal members to surrender additional land. The law made it easier for tribal members to sell their land and the existing land base soon dwindled much like the Citizen Band's in the 1860s.
1918-21Despite having no U.S. citizenship, many tribal members fought in World War I. Leonard Tapsee lost his life in France, in 1918.
1929The Great Depression begins. The tribe, like most of the country, improvised to survive.
1934Indian Reorganization Act. Opposed by those tribal members favoring a "Chief" concept of government. A business committee formed in mid-1930s.
1941World War II begins. Many more tribal members serve honorably in the war. Over 250 Indians from the four reservations in Kansas enlisted. Laverne "Sas weh" Thomas died March 3, 1945 at Iwo Jima and George "Wamego" Wamego died in France.
1946Indian Claims Commission formed, marking the beginning of Minnie Evans' leadership.
1950sKorean War. More tribal members participate. Called the "Forgotten War." Vernon Mzhickteno lost his life in this war.
1953Minnie Evans intervened to prevent tribe from being eliminated.
1960sVietnam Conflict. A time of division within the country and the Potawatomi reservation. Victor Hale and Martin Jim Jr. lost their lives. Their names appear on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Close to 58,202 men and women died between 1959 and 1975. Among these were 626 Kansans, 382 Indians and seven women.
1970sTribal constitution suspended by the Bureau of Indian Affairs due to the tribe's interior political power struggle -- an unpopular decision among tribal members.
1977Tribal constitution reinstated, due to a calming of tribal factionalism, resulting in new programs and housing. Thirty-six homes were built in phase one of the Housing and Urban Development program. Sixty more followed. O'Ketchoshawno Center built -- a combination office, senior citizen center and gymnasium.
1987Tribe assumes control of a bingo operating venture, stabilizing financial operations for the next 10 years.
1988National Indian Gaming Act passed. The express purpose of the act was to provide a federal statutory basis for operation of gaming by Indian tribes on Indian lands, promoting economic development and strong tribal governments.
1992On June 23, Governor Finney approves compacts for the four Kansas Indian tribes, but is later overruled by a Kansas Supreme Court decision stating prior legislative approval is necessary.
1994First Potawatomi gathering in Canada, hosted by the Canadian Potawatomi. Cultural ideas, traditions and history were exchanged by all seven bands of Potawatomi.
1995Kansas state legislature approves tribal-state compact by a slim margin. Second Potawatomi gathering in Mayetta, Kansas. Hosted by the Prairie Band.
1996Third Potawatomi gathering in Wilson, Michigan. Hosted by the Hannaville Potawatomi. Tribe opens temporary casino on October 25.
1997May 14 ground-breaking for New Harrah's Prairie Band Casino facility. Road Improvement Project initiated. Early Childhood Education Center dedicated. Language Preservation Grant approved by ANA. Fourth Potawatomi gathering in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Hosted by the Citizen Band of Potawatomi.
1998New Harrah's Prairie Band Casino opens January 12. Road Improvement Project completed, ending years of sub-standard road conditions. Fifth Potawatomi gathering in Niles, Michigan. New Tribal Law Enforcement Center completed.
1999 New Tribal Government Center completed. Work starts on new Senior Citizen Building. Sixth Potawatomi gathering in Dowagiac, Michigan. Hosted by the Pokagon Band of Michigan. PBP Nation Station gas station and convenience store completed. Second phase of Road Project starts. New housing planned for reservation.
2000New Elder Center opens. Potawatomi Gathering is held in Carter, Wisconsin. Construction begins on 24 new reservation homes. Harrah’s Prairie Band Casino expands adding 250 slot machines. Bingo Hall returns to its original location at 162 and Q Road. Government Center lower level expanded to provide additional services.
2001Reservation Road Improvement Plan put into place. Ground breaking for new Boy’s and Girl’s Club building. Fire station completed. Ben-no-tteh Wigwam Early Childhood Center addition completed. Potawatomi Gathering held in Canada. New 5-year contract written with Harrah’s for management of Prairie Band Casino. The Nation contributes $200,000 to the Royal Valley school district to support the education of youth. Churches on the reservation are renovated. Phase one of the wastewater treatment plan is completed with a new treatment plant serving the Government Center. 10,300 acres of land are purchased and returned to the reservation. The Nation contributes $50,000 to the Red Cross to help tornado victims in Hoisington, Kansas and $100,000 to support victims of the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington D.C.
2002Groundbreaking for the Boys and Girls Club expansion, late 2002. The Nation and Harrah’s announce a $55-million expansion plan. Prairie People’s Park is refurbished and the 2002 Gathering of Nations is held at the rejuvenated park. Harrah’s pays $500,000 toward the renovation of the park and to help fund the Gathering of Nations as part of the new contract. The first phase of 12 homes was completed – all are fully occupied. Construction begins on two, eight-unit apartment buildings and six family duplexes. A program is launched assisting tribal members across the country with housing, down payments and renovation costs. Maintenance and Land Management buildings are completed. Fiber-optic cable is installed allowing the Government Center to operate at T1 speed. The Nation provides a $32,000 gift to Jackson County to upgrade their 911 system. Individuals living on the reservation are allowed a choice of emergency responders from the Nation or Jackson County. The Nation sends Tribal Emergency Services firefighters to assist in fighting fires in the mountain states. Time Magazine runs a news story heralding the Nation’s use of gaming revenues to improve conditions on the reservation and in the surrounding community.
2003Nine replacement homes are built for seniors over 65 living in homes more than 50 years old. New Sprint cellular tower is built providing service to the reservation. Construction continues on two, eight-unit apartment buildings and six family duplexes. Plans are laid for 15 Senior Garden apartments, three manufactured homes (for transitional housing) and 12 manufactured homes for additional housing. The second phase of construction on twelve four- and five-bedroom homes begins. Seven additional miles of roads are paved. Two water towers are constructed: a 300,000-gallon tower to serve the center of the reservation with an 8" water line and a 200,000-gallon tower to serve the casino expansion. Ground is broken for the casino expansion. A new waste water treatment plant is started for the casino. A new Food Distribution building is constructed next to the Land Development building. Martin Luther King Association acknowledges the Nation for outstand-ing charitable efforts. Long distance learning program started with Haskell. A bike and pedestrian trail is started to connect the housing clusters and the old ballpark. A $350,000 grant is received from the state of Kansas to assist in completion of the trail.
2005Prairie Band acquires new tribally-owned ambulance. James Wabaunsee wins special tribal council election. Bingo Hall renovation completed. Native American Singers & Dancers take first in 2005 Battle of the Plains Competition. PBPFamilyHealthCenter relocated to 510 Kansas Avenue, Holton, Kan. Groundbreaking for new health center on 158 Road held. Gary Mitchell and Joyce Guerrero elected to Gaming Commission. Tom Tuckwin appointed to Gaming Commission. Milton LaClair, retired chairman of the Gaming Commission, wins National Gaming Commission (Bruce Longhorn) award. PBPN wins court appeal on recognizing tribal tags from state of Kansas. Distance Education Learning Lab building placed in K Road complex. PBPN Road & Bridge and JacksonCounty hold ribbon cutting ceremony on Dutch Creek bridge on K Road. Road & Bridge pave six miles of on reservation. Groundbreaking ceremony for community center held and fourteen additional homes under construction in Prairie Ridge. SeniorCitizenPrairie VillageGarden 15-unit apartments and community center constructed. PBPN purchases local propane businesses and opens tribal business enterprise as Mayetta Oil Company. 2005 Huron Band Potawatomi Gathering held. Potawatomi News receives Native American Journalists Association media award. PBPN donates $50,000 to Katrina Relief Fund. Economic Development begins wind energy feasibility study. Language Department receives Administration for Native American (ANA) grant to provide Potawatomi language classes. PBP argues motor vehicle tax case before U.S. Supreme Court and decision pushed back to lower court. PBP Tribal Investigations Policies and Procedures developed. Construction begins on casino interchange at Highway 75 and 150 Road. Harrah’s announces it will withdraw from managing casino after 2008. Buffalo Grill restaurant opens in casino.
2006Casino interchange at Hwy 75 and 150 Road opens. Zach Pahmahmie resigns as tribal chairman. Tracy Stanhoff appointed interim tribal chair. Tom Tuckwin elected to Gaming Commission. Transition from Harrah’s to Prairie Band Casino begins. CommunityBuilding renovated and machinery shed constructed near Lands building. PBPN contributes $100,000 to Boys & Girls Club endowment in honor of 100th year anniversary of Boys & Girls Clubs. PBPN purchases 128 acre farm in Shabonna, Ill. to reclaim original homeland. Tracy Stanhoff, James Potter, and Warren Wahweotten, Jr. win Tribal Council election positions. PBPN members participate as part of Team Kansas in Native American Indigenous Games held in Denver. Fourteen families move in to new homes in Prairie Ridge. 2006 Pokagen Potawatomi Gathering held. New PBPFamilyHealthCenter opens and dental services offered. Early ChildhoodEducationCenter receives national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Four new transitional homes constructed at 158 Rd and K Rd.
2007PBP changes over casino from Harrah’s to Prairie Band Casino & Resort and holds grand opening festivities in July. PBP win tribal tag case from Kansas. Tracy Stanhoff resigns as tribal chair. Special Tribal Council chair and per capita ordinance election held with Steve Ortiz elected chair and per capita ordinances pass. BIA Secretarial Election held with voters approving passage of six constitutional amendment changes to PBP Constitution. PBPN announces plans to build electronic bingo hall on Shabbona land and begin negotiations with DeKalb County, Ill. for intergovernmental agreement. PBP Road & Bridge construct pedestrian/bike trail on reservation. Road & Bridge also complete asphalt overlay of 8-mile stretch of 158 Road and K Road with funding from BIA. Joyce Guerrero resigns her position on the Gaming Commission. Tribal Council visits members of Congress on Capitol Hill. Elder Vestina Nonken receives Holton Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame award. Elder Leroy Mzhickteno receives Order of Saint Maurice Medallion award for bravery in WW II. 2007 Forest County Band Potawatomi Gathering held in Crandon, Wisconsin
2008Historical Signing of intergovernmental agreement between PBPN and DeKalbCounty to build a 24-hour bingo facility on the 128 acres reservation land in Shabbona, Illinois. Tamara McClammy and Calvin Evans elected to Gaming Commission. Revenue Allocation Plan approved by membership. The Nation reorganizes and reduces government operating budget in line with approved Revenue Allocation Plan.