Native Americans & the Revolution: Remembering Their Role in the USA 250th

The Forgotten Allies and Foes: Native Americans in 1776

As the United States approaches its Semiquincentennial in 2026, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the full, nuanced story of our nation’s founding. Often, the narrative of the American Revolution centers on colonial patriots and Redcoats. However, Native American tribes and leaders played critical—though often overlooked—roles in the struggle for independence and the shaping of early America.

Divided Loyalties: Tribes Choose Sides

The Revolution fractured the land and its peoples. For Native American nations, the war brought difficult choices. Many tribes, such as the Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee), split in their allegiances. The Mohawk, led by famed chief Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea), allied with the British, seeing them as a bulwark against colonial encroachment. Other Iroquois nations, like the Oneida and Tuscarora, chose to side with the colonists, motivated by promises of land and sovereignty, and with the hope that a new American government might treat them with greater respect.

At the 1777 Battle of Oriskany in New York, these divided loyalties became heartbreakingly clear, as members of the Iroquois Confederacy fought on both sides. For many Native peoples, the Revolution was a civil war.

Key Native American Figures in the Revolution

• Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea): A Mohawk diplomat and war leader, Brant was educated by British missionaries and became a bridge between cultures. He led raids in New York and Pennsylvania and advocated fiercely for his people's land and rights after the war.
• Oneida Nation: The Oneida provided food, scouts, and warriors to the Continental Army. In the harsh winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge, Oneida emissaries brought bushels of corn to feed Washington’s starving troops—an act of compassion and alliance that proved vital.
• Cherokee and Creek Nations: In the South, the Cherokee and Creek generally sided with the British, hoping to stop settler expansion. Their involvement led to devastating retaliatory campaigns by colonial militias, resulting in loss of life and land.

Legacy and Reflection: Lessons for the 250th

The outcome of the Revolution was bittersweet for Native Americans. Despite their significant contributions, both as allies and opponents, the postwar period brought loss of territory, broken promises, and continued displacement. Yet, the resilience and agency of Native nations remain an integral part of America’s story. Their choices, sacrifices, and endurance speak to the complexity of the nation’s founding moment.

As we honor the USA’s 250th birthday, let’s remember all those who shaped this nation. Learning from the past—its triumphs and tragedies—helps us build a more inclusive and honest vision of patriotism. At Pumpbear, we invite you to celebrate the Semiquincentennial with pride and reflection, honoring the diverse voices that forged America’s independence.