Captain Lewis Shoots an Indian

Jefferson Peace Medal

Wolf Calf's Story

Blackfeet Weapons

Blackfeet Weapons

Working in groups and practicing together, young Blackfeet men learned to fashion bows of wood and bone and to fire balanced and straightened arrows with great accuracy. The arrows carried by the hunting party that encountered Meriwether Lewis in 1806 most likely had steel tips acquired from Canadian traders, with whom the Blackfeet had a decades-long relationship. Despite the beauty of traditional weapons, the Blackfeet were obviously eager to acquire American firearms.

Maker Unknown. Cut Down Rifle. Late 18th Century.