PART 3

They were the Comanche, or Numunuh—meaning "The People"— and they were the undisputed "Lords of the Plains," fiercely guarding their vast homeland across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. Masters of horseback warfare, they resisted westward expansion as the U.S. government pushed settlers into their territory.

In an 1836 raid on Fort Parker, nine-year-old Cynthia Ann Parker was taken captive. She embraced Comanche life, later marrying Chief Peta Nocona. And their son, Quanah Parker, became a legendary leader. As the U.S. broke the Treaty of Medicine Lodge, Quanah led his people in the Red River War, the last major conflict between the southern Plains tribes and the U.S. military. Realizing continued resistance meant destruction, he surrendered at Fort Sill in 1875 to secure his people's survival.

Straddling two worlds, Quanah worked to bridge the divide between Native and white societies. Though never elected chief, he was appointed the Comanche Nation’s Principal Chief.

To his family, he was a beloved grandfather who championed education and Comanche traditions. To history, he remains the "Last Chief of the Comanche."

In parts 1 and 2 of this series, I spoke with one of Quanah Parker's descendants, Jody Parker. Now in part 3, you'll hear directly from Quanah’s great grandchildren:

Jacquetta Parker

Ardith Parker-Leming

LaNora Parker

Sandra Chesnut

Don Allen Parker

Jody Colbert

The family shares insights on:

- Quanah's influence on the importance of education and always showing up dressed to impress

- His vision for a school and church for his people

- What Quanah was like as a master horseman and a great warrior

- The significance of Comanche oral history and that much of their knowledge came from both

their elders and the Mennonite missionaries Quanah worked with

- Did Quanah really tell a missionary she was "ugly"? You may be surprised by the answer!

Finally, the elders share a heartfelt reflection on how Quanah bridged two worlds—the world of his people and of those who had taken over.

Unfortunately, when I recorded this 2 years ago, my sound and video were messed up. So thank you for your patience, as it has been cleaned up as best as possible.

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