The Treaty of Fort Pitt, signed in 1778, marked a pivotal moment in early American history as the first formal agreement between the United States and a Native American tribe, specifically the Lenape. As tensions escalated during the American Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress sought alliances with Native American tribes, recognizing both the strategic importance of their support and the need for a united front against British forces. The treaty was negotiated at Fort Pitt, a strategically positioned outpost, which served as a focal point for military and diplomatic efforts in the region. The Lenape were approached and persuaded to ally with the American forces. In return for their support against British loyalists, the United States promised to recognize tribal lands and sovereignty.The treaty detailed a military alliance whereby the Lenape would provide assistance, demonstrating the significance placed on Native American participation in the ongoing war. Moreover, as part of these negotiations, terms were established regarding land rights and security for the Lenape. Additionally, the treaty indicated a gradual shift in the United States' approach to Native American relations, which would later become more contentious as westward expansion initiated numerous conflicts over land and resources. The signing of this treaty represents an early, albeit complex, attempt at diplomacy that would shape future interactions between Native Americans and the United States Government.