Jacob Hamblin's Legacy
Showing love and making peace
Plymouth colony was established in 1620. By 1675 pioneer settlers had clearly established procedures for handling conflict between Native Americans. Two extremely different cultures would become fearful of each other and communication would break down resulting in armed conflict. The pioneer settlers backed by a larger population and superior weapons conquered and subjugated the Native American populations. This pattern held true until the end of the Indian wars and the surrender of Geronimo in 1886.
However, there is one great exception to the normal procedure of establishing peace through domination, massacre, and bloodshed. The exception was led by a missionary by the name of Jacob Hamblin. During the Indian wars in Colorado, nine federal forts were established for the protection of the pioneer settlers. In New Mexico another nine forts were established. In central and southern Arizona a total of 16 federal forts were built to control the Apache.
Jacob Hamblin's influence began in the Santa Clara/St. George area of Southwestern Utah. His influence spread into southern Nevada and southeastern Utah. His influence began to spread into Northern Arizona by 1863 among the Navajo and Hopi people. By 1870 his influence reached into Arizona in the areas that are roughly north of present-day Interstate 40. This area of influence was the size of many of today's Western states. In this region there were no forts built to protect the pioneer settlers except Fort Defiance, which was no longer needed by 1868.
History books fail to explain the reason that peace was established with the Native American people in these regions 30 years before Geronimo's surrender in Southern Arizona. When the Native American people had grievances they had someone to talk to. Jacob learned their language and would go to their villages and listen to their concerns. He would then return to the pioneer settlers and explained the problem and change in behavior happened through peaceful negotiation.
For example in one situation the settlers were feeding their cattle on the open range. The Native Americans had used the grasses to harvest the seeds for their winter survival. Jacob convinced the settlers to allow the Native Americans to glean their harvest fields which improved the diet of the Native Americans and accomplished the desired peace. It simply took someone who was willing to listen and find a peaceful solution. No armies were needed and peace was established. As a result, this area that fell under Jacob Hamblin's influence is today the most heavily populated region by Native American people in the United States.
-Larry Burk
Great-Great-Grandson of Jacob Hamblin
Jacob Hamblin Legacy Corp. President
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