In October 1774, Colonel Andrew Lewis and 800 Virginia militiamen set up camp at Point Pleasant on the Ohio River, preparing to invade the Shawnee homeland. On the morning of October 10, hunters from Lewis’ party stumbled upon an encampment of 500 Shawnee warriors led by Cornstalk, their gifted chief. Despite losing the element of surprise, Cornstalk decided to attack, initially inflicting heavy casualties. Lewis then committed the bulk of his army to the fight and the tide began to turn.
Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses the Battle of Point Pleasant and how it brought an end to Lord Dunmore’s War, and why it still matters today.
Photo Credits:
New York Public Library
University of South Florida
The Walters Art Museum
Library of Congress
Encyclopedia Virginia
Tennessee Virtual Archive
Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution