Le Borgne (One Eye)
Le Borgne (One Eye) was the most powerful chief of the Hidatsa during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, leading the largest of the three Hidatsa villages near the Knife River. He was initially suspicious of the Americans and their intentions during the winter of 1804–1805, and Lewis and Clark worked carefully to maintain good relations with him. Le Borgne was a formidable warrior who had lost one eye in battle and wielded significant influence over both the Hidatsa and their Mandan neighbors.
Biography
Le Borgne (“One Eye”) was the principal war chief of the Hidatsa and one of the most powerful Native leaders on the upper Missouri. He lost his eye in battle and was known as a fierce, sometimes intimidating figure.
During the expedition’s winter at Fort Mandan, Le Borgne maintained a complex relationship with the captains. He was initially suspicious and sometimes hostile, but was eventually won over — particularly after witnessing demonstrations of the expedition’s weapons and trade goods.
Le Borgne’s power on the upper Missouri was significant: he could influence trade and diplomacy across a wide region. The captains recognized him as the most formidable Native leader they encountered during the winter at the Mandan villages.
