Timeline / Reshaping America / 1809: Treaty of Fort Wayne takes 3 million acres from Native peoples

1809: Treaty of Fort Wayne takes 3 million acres from Native peoples

William Henry Harrison, the governor of the Indiana Territory and superintendent of Indian affairs, negotiates the Treaty of Fort Wayne with the “Delawares, Shawanoes, Putawatimies, Miamies and Kickapoos,” and others to acquire 3 million acres. The Shawnee leader Tecumseh tells Harrison, a future U.S. president, that the signers have no authority to sell the land. As Congress ratifies the treaty, Tecumseh warns Americans not to settle on the land and organizes troops to fight any incursions.

The Treaty of Fort Wayne names the signers: “Delawares, Shawanoes, Putawatimies, Miamies and Kickapoos, by their chiefs and head warriors, and those of the Eel river, Weeas, Piankashaws and Kaskaskias by their agents and representatives Tuthinipee, Winnemac, Richerville and Little Turtle (who are properly authorized by the said tribes).” Tecumseh questions whether these Native leaders had the authority to sign the treaty, and whether they can rightfully sell land that is held in common with other Native peoples.

Theme: Federal-Tribal Relations

Region: Northeast

Prev: 1808

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Tecumseh’s Speech to Governor Harrison, 20 August 1810

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Transcription of a speech made by Shawnee Chief Tecumseh August 20, 1810 during his meeting with Indiana Territory Governor William Henry Harrison