Nebraska settler scene. Discover the astounding adventures and legendary feats of Antoine Barada, Nebraska's very own giant and a true American folk hero!

Nebraska’s Giant Folk Hero: The Unbelievable Life And Wild Tales Of Antoine Barada

Discover the astounding adventures and legendary feats of Antoine Barada, Nebraska’s very own giant and a true American folk hero! 🌟 #News #NebraskaHistory #FolkHero

A Nebraska Folk Hero

LINCOLN, NE – Imagine a man so strong he could lift a 1,700-pound stone, and so tall he was regarded as a giant. Antoine Barada’s life is a whirlwind of adventure, myth, and extraordinary feats that rival the legends of Paul Bunyan. Born to a French fur trapper and an Omaha woman, Barada’s story is a captivating mix of historical reality and incredible folklore, making him a true folk hero of Nebraska.

Early Life and Background

Antoine Barada, born on August 22, 1807, in St. Marys, Iowa, is a figure whose life straddles the line between historical reality and mythical legend. The son of Michel Barada, a French-American fur trapper, and Ta-ing-the-hae, a full-blood Omaha woman, Antoine’s life was marked by adventure and resilience. His Omaha name, Mo shi-no pazhi, reflects his deep ties to his mother’s heritage.

Nebraska fields.

Captured and Returned

At the age of six, Antoine was kidnapped by the Lakota while living near Fort Lisa, Nebraska. His father, Michel, managed to secure his release after six months by paying a ransom of two ponies. Following his return, Antoine was sent to live with an aunt in St. Louis, Missouri. By the age of nine, he was back on the Plains, participating in hunting expeditions with an Indian party.

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Settling in Nebraska

As a young man, Antoine married Marcellite Vient, a French woman from St. Louis. In 1856, the couple moved to the Nemaha Half-Breed Reservation in Nebraska, where Antoine’s mixed heritage allowed him to claim land. He established a trading post that eventually grew into the town of Barada, located northeast of Falls City, Nebraska.

Historic photo of Antonine Barada and family.
The real Antoine Barada and family.

Building a Myth

Antoine Barada’s reputation as a man of extraordinary strength and size grew over the years. He was reportedly nearly seven feet tall and was known for feats that seemed to defy human capabilities. From lifting a 1,700-pound stone in St. Louis to single-handedly loading hogs into wagons, his legendary strength was a source of countless stories.

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One particularly famous tale involved a wrestling match against Jean Palos, a Greek champion. Antoine allegedly won by using a combination of unconventional techniques and sheer power. Stories of his marksmanship and fair hunting practices also contributed to his larger-than-life image.

Tall Tales and Adventures

The legends surrounding Barada include dramatic accounts of his interactions with lazy railroad workers and his involvement in the Underground Railroad. It’s said that in a fit of anger, he threw a drop hammer across the Missouri River, creating the Missouri River breaks. Another story claims he averted a massive flood by plugging a water table with his own body.

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Old book with pen by candlelight

Half-Breed Tract and Legacy

In 1856, Antoine received a land patent for 320 acres on the Nemaha Half-Breed Reservation, where the town of Barada was later established. He ran a fur trading post for two decades, becoming a central figure in the community.

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Final Years and Legal Battles

Antoine Barada passed away on March 30, 1885, and was buried alongside his wife in the Catholic cemetery east of Barada. Decades after his death, his descendants were involved in a lawsuit seeking recognition of their Omaha heritage and compensation related to land and benefits. The court dismissed the case, highlighting the complexities of tribal membership and federal jurisdiction.

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A Lasting Impact

Antoine Barada’s life and legend continue to be celebrated in Nebraska. Though historians may classify some stories as “fakelore,” his legacy as a folk hero endures. His exploits, whether fact or fiction, remain a vivid part of regional history, capturing the imagination and embodying the spirit of the American frontier.

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