Database: Smoke Leads To...

MOUNT VERNON//USA//1760-11-02

After attaining the rank of Colonel in the British forces, George Washington focused his efforts on eradicating the native threat during the "French and Indian War". From his estate in Mount Vernon, Washington ordered the destruction of Kanatahséton, a Kanien'keháka village in the Mohawk Valley, as he was concerned that local tribes would attack his men and hinder their mission.

The village was burned to the ground, claiming many lives in the process, including that of Kaniehtí:io – the spirited mother of Ratonhaké:ton, who was only four years old at the time.