Jump to content

Pontiac (Ottawa leader)

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pontiac
No authentic images of Pontiac are known to exist.[1] This interpretation was painted by John Mix Stanley.
Bornc. 1714/20
DiedApril 20, 1769 (aged 48–55)
Cause of deathAssassination
NationalityOttawa
Occupation(s)Regional speaker; Indian war chief
Known forPontiac's War

Pontiac (c. 1720 – April 20, 1769) was a war chief. He became known for his role in Pontiac's War (1763–1766), an American Indian war against British military near the Great Lakes region and named for him.  Historians today generally view him as an important local leader who influenced a wider movement that he did not command.

The war began in May 1763 when Pontiac and 300 followers attempted to take Fort Detroit by surprise but their plan was foiled.

He gained confidence as he continued to go against the British. British officials made Pontiac the focus of their diplomatic efforts seeking to end the war.

Pontiac was killed on April 20, 1769.

References

[change | change source]
  1. Dowd 2002, p. 6.