Susan L. Kelsey, "Billy Caldwell: Chicago and the Great Lakes Trail"

We are excited to welcome Susan L. Kelsey to The Book Cellar to read from her new book Billy Caldwell: Chicago and the Great Lakes.

About Billy Caldwell: Chicago and the Great Lakes Trail: Billy Caldwell was a trader, fighter, treaty negotiator and tribal leader, also known as Sauganash. He was born to Rising Sun of the Mohawk Nation and William Caldwell, an Irish Captain in the British Army. Caldwell was an influential leader during the dawn of America who found himself at the crossroads, caught between two worlds; a quickly descending minority world of Native Americans and the growing white settlers. He navigated the changing landscape by creating commerce in the Great Lakes region, following opportunities across the country and building a strong community. In 1833, Caldwell was named chief for the three Chicago tribes; Ottawa, Ojibwa and the Potawatomi; and negotiated one of the largest land trades in American history.

About Susan L. Kelsey: Susan L. Kelsey lives in Lake Forest, Illinois and was inspired by her mother and grandmother (both pilots) to enjoy history and adventure. By telling the story about family history and stories about the community we live in, we can begin to understand the place we call home. Following Chief Sauganash is a story about Captain Billy Caldwell and his life from 1780-1841. Join us as we travel from Old Fort Niagara, through Amherstburg, Ontario; Detroit, Chicago and to his final resting place, Council Bluffs, Iowa. All profits are used to support Native American research and enterprises.