First Treaty Between U.S. and Native Americans
The Treaty of Fort Pitt was signed as the first formal agreement between the newly formed United States and the Lenape tribe. This treaty was significant as it marked the United States' recognition of Native American sovereignty and laid the groundwork for future relations. The treaty established a military alliance, and in return, the Lenape agreed to assist American forces against British loyalists and their allies in the ongoing conflict. This historic agreement was signed at Fort Pitt, present-day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during a tumultuous period of the American Revolutionary War.
First treaty between U.S. and Native tribes
Established alliance during Revolutionary War
Signed at Fort Pitt in Pennsylvania
Marked early diplomatic efforts with Native Americans
What Happened?
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.
Why Does it Matter?
This treaty is interesting as it represents one of the first instances of formal diplomacy between the United States and Native American tribes, setting a precedent for future treaties and interactions. It revealed the complexities of the alliances formed during the Revolutionary War and highlighted the significance of Native American tribes in the conflict's outcome. The treaty's implications resonated throughout American history, illustrating early attempts at recognizing Native sovereignty, even amidst a backdrop of eventual conflict and broken agreements.