Page "Mishawaka, Indiana" Paragraph 79

One legend holds that the city is named after Mishawaka, daughter of Shawnee Chief Elkhart.

According to the story, the Shawnee were permitted to settle on Potawatomi lands in the late 18th century, and Potawatomi Chief Grey Wolf soon fell in love with Mishawaka.

She rejected his advances and pledged her love to a white trapper, known only as Deadshot.

A war between the two tribes ensued, and Grey Wolf captured Mishawaka and threatened to kill her unless she married him.

Deadshot followed him, however, and the two men fought to the death.

Grey Wolf died, but not before stabbing Mishawaka in the breast.

She recovered, but died in 1818 at age 32.

She was supposedly buried near Lincoln Park, where a bronze marker there retells the legend.