Big Bottom Massacre by Lenape and Wyandot Warriors
January 2nd, 1791
January 2nd, 1791

How Long Ago?
234 years, 2 months, 13 days ago
Location
Ohio Country, near the Muskingum River
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Northwest Indian War
Links & References
Tags
Big Bottom Massacre by Lenape and Wyandot Warriors
The Big Bottom massacre occurred when Lenape and Wyandot warriors attacked a small settlement near the Muskingum River in the Ohio Country. Approximately twenty settlers were killed, and several others were taken captive. This event marked a significant moment in the ongoing tensions between Native American tribes and European-American settlers in the region, driven by land disputes and differing ways of life.
Approximately twenty settlers were killed.
The attack was led by Lenape and Wyandot warriors.
Big Bottom was a small settlement near the Muskingum.
Escalated tensions between tribes and settlers.
What Happened?
The Big Bottom massacre unfolded in a context of rising conflict between Native American tribes and European settlers in the Ohio Country. The Lenape and Wyandot, as members of a coalition of tribes, viewed the encroachment of settlers onto their ancestral lands as a direct threat to their survival and sovereignty. The settlers established a small community known as Big Bottom, located near the confluence of the Muskingum River and its tributaries, which made it an attractive location for agriculture and settlement. On the early morning of January 2, 1791, the warriors launched a surprise attack, exploiting a combination of poor defenses and the isolation of the settlers during winter months when agricultural activities were minimal.During the assault, the attackers reportedly killed at least twenty settlers and abducted others, leaving chaos in their wake. This incident intensified the already strained relations in the region and highlighted the vulnerability of frontier communities. The massacre prompted a series of retaliatory actions by the United States government against Native tribes, further escalating violence in the region. Furthermore, this event epitomized the complexities of the struggle for control over land and resources, which would define the relationship between Native Americans and settlers for decades to come.
Why Does it Matter?
The Big Bottom massacre is significant as it exemplifies the violent confrontations between Native Americans and European-American settlers in the late 18th century. This event contributed to a series of conflicts known as the Northwest Indian War, shaping U.S. policy towards Native lands and influencing the trajectory of westward expansion. It serves as a stark reminder of the intricate dynamics of power, culture, and survival that characterized this critical period in North American history.
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