Pontiac
War Chief, Ottawa Nation
"It is important for us, my brothers, that we exterminate from our lands this nation which seeks only to destroy us."
Biography
Ottawa war chief who organized the most significant Native American uprising of the colonial era in response to British occupation of former French territories. Pontiac's War (1763–66) saw Native forces capture nine of twelve British frontier forts and besiege Detroit for five months. Though ultimately unsuccessful, it forced Britain's Royal Proclamation of 1763.
Did you know?
Was almost certainly present at Braddock's ambush in 1755 as a French-allied warrior. Was assassinated in 1769 by a Peoria tribesman, possibly bribed by British traders. His name lives on in Pontiac, Michigan; Pontiac, Illinois; and the now-discontinued Pontiac automobile brand.
Life Journey
Timeline
c. 1720
🌅 Birth
Born in the Maumee River region, Ohio/Michigan
July 1755
⚔️ Battle
Believed present at Braddock's Defeat, fighting with French allies
May 1763
⚔️ Battle
Besieges Fort Detroit for five months — longest siege of Pontiac's War
April 20, 1769
✝️ Death
Assassinated in Cahokia, Illinois