Hayne Hudjihini (Eagle of Delight), Oto by Charles Bird King (1785-1862), White House Collection
From November 1821 through February 1822, 17 American Indians from different tribes visited Washington, D.C. at the invitation of President James Monroe, Secretary of War John C. Calhoun, and Indian agent for the Upper Missouri, Benjamin O'Fallon. O'Fallon wanted the Indians to meet President Monroe and to witness the great strength of the nation firsthand. Charles Bird King painted portraits of the visitors, including this portrait of Hayne Hudjihini (also known as Eagle of Delight) of the Otoe (or Oto) Tribe. Unlike the male delegates who made the trip, she did not receive a peace medal with President Monroe's profile. King would go on to paint 200 American Indian portraits, of which 143 were commissioned by the U.S. Government and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Five of these portraits are in the White House Collection.