Native American Stories in the Founding of America: Celebrating the USA 250th

The American Revolution: A Complex Tapestry of Alliances

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States—the Semiquincentennial in 2026—it's crucial to remember the diverse actors who shaped the story of American independence. The American Revolution (1775-1783) featured not just the well-known Founding Fathers and colonial militias, but also Native American nations, whose decisions and sacrifices had a profound impact on the Revolutionary era.

Native American Tribes: Allies, Rivals, and Diplomats

The Native American nations, numbering hundreds across the continent, were far from passive bystanders in the Revolution. In the Northeast, the powerful Iroquois Confederacy (the Six Nations) found itself divided. Most tribes, including the Mohawk led by Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea), sided with the British, hoping to protect their homelands from further colonial encroachment. Brant, a formidable diplomat and war leader, led Iroquois warriors in campaigns such as the Battle of Oriskany (1777) and the Wyoming Valley Massacre (1778).

Yet, within the Iroquois, the Oneida and Tuscarora broke ranks, supporting the Patriot cause. The Oneida Nation served as scouts and messengers for General George Washington and played a pivotal role in supplying troops at the Battle of Oriskany. Their aid was recognized by Congress, but the postwar years brought challenges as treaties failed to fully honor their contributions.

Voices of Native Patriotism and Pragmatism

In the South, tribes like the Cherokee generally allied with the British, fearing westward colonial expansion. However, individual Native Americans took different paths. Nancy Ward (Nanyehi), a Cherokee leader, advocated for diplomacy and peace between the Cherokee and Americans, even intervening to prevent violence against settlers.

Throughout the Revolution, Native American diplomats and warriors weighed their options carefully. Many saw British promises of land protection as more trustworthy than those from colonists eager to claim territory. Yet, as the war’s tide changed, some shifted allegiances, seeking to preserve their communities and lands amid the chaos of war.

• 1778: The Treaty of Fort Pitt marked the first formal treaty between the new United States and an Indian nation (the Lenape or Delaware). It offered a vision of alliance, but its promises were unfulfilled.
• 1779: Washington ordered the Sullivan-Clinton Expedition against pro-British Iroquois towns, highlighting the war's tragic toll on Native peoples.

Legacy and Reflections at 250 Years

The legacy of Native American nations in the Revolutionary era is complex. They shaped battlefields, guided diplomacy, and offered crucial aid—yet faced broken promises and displacement in the years that followed. As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, it’s important to remember the courage and sacrifices Native Americans made, often walking difficult paths between two worlds.

In the spirit of the Semiquincentennial, let us honor all those who contributed to the founding of America—including the Native nations and individuals whose stories deserve to be told. As you prepare to celebrate the USA 250th, wear your pride in America’s layered history, and remember the many threads, Native and non-Native, that form our national story.