Buckongahelas
Buckongahelas (c. 1720 – May 1805)[1] was a preeminent Lenape chief, councilor, and combatant since at least 1754, during the Seven Years' War. He remained active in his later days, taking part in the 1791 battle of the Wabash River alongside allied Chiefs Mihšihkinaahkwa of the Miami and Weyapiersenwah of the Shawnee.[2]
Biography[edit | edit source]
In the eve of the battle, the Colonial Assassin Ratonhnhaké:ton and a few allies arrived at the confederacy's longhouse, hoping to obtain permission to go parley with the American army's General Arthur St. Clair to try to avoid bloodshed. Mihšihkinaahkwa invited the group to sit and present their case, and the three chiefs eventually granted them permission. The following morning, the leaders decided against waiting for the group to return, choosing instead to attack the soldiers during their morning meal. The battle ended in a great victory for the Natives, who managed to inflict great losses and force their retreat towards Fort Jefferson.[2]
