Tuscarora Olympian

Frank Mount Pleasant may not sound like a familiar name but he has one of the largest displays at the Native American Museum of Art. Frank was an Olympic athlete from the Tuscarora Reservation who participated in the 1908 Olympic games in London. Frank began his athletic career in 1904 at the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania where he excelled in football and track.

The 1908 Olympian placed sixth in the long jump despite a ligament injury and was awarded two Olympic Commemorative medals. Today the Native America Museum of Art, located on the Tuscarora Reservation, is home to six of Frank’s track and field medals including the two Olympic medals.

Frank eventually became the first American Indian to earn a diploma and served as an Army lieutenant in WWI and was decorated for bravery. Photos and memorabilia of Frank Mount Pleasant are on display year-round and museum entrance is free to patrons.