Native Americans and the American Revolution: Allies, Adversaries, and

The Complex Landscape of Native Alliances

The American Revolution (1775–1783) was not just a conflict between British and colonial forces—it was also a turning point for Native American tribes across North America. As we approach the Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary of the United States, it’s vital to recognize the diverse ways Native peoples shaped, and were shaped by, the Revolution’s outcome.

For many tribes, the war represented a struggle not only between empires, but for their own survival and sovereignty. Tribes selected their allegiances based on a range of factors: longstanding rivalries, geographic proximity, promises from both British and Patriot sides, and hopes of protecting their lands and way of life. Some, like the Oneida and Tuscarora of the Iroquois Confederacy, aligned with the Patriots. Others, such as the Mohawk and Seneca, backed the British, who promised to limit colonial expansion westward. Many, wary of choosing sides, sought neutrality, only to be pulled into the conflict by circumstances beyond their control.

Key Figures: From Joseph Brant to Polly Cooper

Among the most prominent Native leaders was Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea), a Mohawk military and political leader who was educated in colonial schools and sided with the British. Brant led warriors in campaigns across New York and Pennsylvania, believing British victory offered the best hope for Indigenous autonomy. His involvement highlighted the international dimension of the war and the pragmatic decisions Native nations made.

On the other side, the Oneida Nation sided with the Patriots, providing scouts, warriors, and crucial intelligence. Their support at the 1777 Battle of Oriskany was pivotal in aiding the American cause in New York. Polly Cooper, an Oneida woman, played a unique role—she traveled to Valley Forge to bring essential corn to the starving Continental Army, teaching soldiers how to prepare it properly. Her contributions are still honored today by both the Oneida and American descendants.

Native Nations at the Crossroads

The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, exemplifies the wrenching choices faced by Native peoples. Traditionally united, the Confederacy split as the war wore on; the Mohawk, Seneca, Onondaga, and Cayuga largely sided with the British, while the Oneida and Tuscarora supported the Revolutionaries. This division led to tragic consequences, including the destruction of villages and loss of life during the Sullivan Expedition of 1779, when Continental forces targeted Iroquois settlements allied with the British.

Farther south, the Cherokee largely sided with Britain, hoping to stem colonial encroachment. However, attacks on frontier settlements provoked devastating counterattacks, resulting in the loss of Cherokee towns and territory. For tribes across the continent, the war’s end brought little respite: the new United States rapidly pushed westward, disregarding earlier British treaties and Native interests.

Legacy and Reflection for the USA 250th

As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, it’s essential to honor the full tapestry of stories that comprise the American founding. Native American tribes were not just bystanders but active participants—sometimes as allies, sometimes as adversaries, and always as distinct nations with their own hopes and strategies. Their actions shaped battles, influenced outcomes, and left an indelible mark on the nation’s early years.

The Semiquincentennial offers an opportunity to remember the courage and agency of Native individuals and communities and to reflect on the promises and complexities of the American experiment. At Pumpbear, we celebrate not only the patriotic spirit but also the rich, diverse histories that make up the story of the United States. Join us as we honor all who played a role in our nation’s journey—past, present, and future.