Chief Little Turtle & Battle of Kekionga

In October 1790, a significant event unfolded near what we now call the Lakeside neighborhoods of Fort Wayne—the Battle of Kekionga. At the heart of this clash was Chief Little Turtle of the Miami tribe, who skillfully led his warriors against General Josiah Harmar’s poorly equipped U.S. forces. Harmar’s men, many of whom had little to no combat experience, were no match for the Miami, resulting in a decisive victory for Chief Little Turtle.

The battle took place at the confluence of the three rivers, marking the first major conflict between U.S. forces and Native Americans in the Northwest Territory following the American Revolutionary War. Harmar’s forces suffered significant losses, culminating in what is now referred to as “Harmar’s Defeat,” a crucial moment memorialized in Fort Wayne along Edgewater Street.

Chief Little Turtle’s success at Kekionga, along with his later victory at the Battle of St. Clair in 1791, demonstrated his formidable leadership and military strategy. These defeats for the U.S. eventually led to the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794. Recognizing that the sheer number of U.S. forces would overwhelm the Native American resistance, Little Turtle reluctantly signed the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, paving the way for peace between Native Americans and the U.S. government.

Despite his military prowess, Chief Little Turtle was also a visionary leader who sought peaceful coexistence between Native Americans and American settlers. He met with three U.S. presidents—George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson—and even received ceremonial gifts from Washington and General Kosciuszko. Throughout his life, he advocated against the destructive influence of alcohol on his people, further solidifying his legacy as a leader with a progressive vision.

Chief Little Turtle passed away in 1812, and a small memorial honoring his life can be found in Fort Wayne on Lawton Place. It was rediscovered in 1912 during construction work, where his grave, containing the ceremonial sword given to him by President Washington, was found. This little-known memorial serves as a reminder of his extraordinary life and the role he played in shaping the history of Fort Wayne.

To dive deeper into the history of Chief Little Turtle and the Battle of Kekionga, local author Jim Pickett’s historic fiction books— The Bones of Kekionga, The March to Kekionga, and The Siege of Kekionga —offer detailed and historically accurate narratives about these events, with carefully crafted dialogue that brings the era to life.

This chapter of history highlights not just the conflicts but also the enduring legacy of a leader who dreamed of peace and progress for his people.

Top image: Chief Little Turtle.   Source: Public Domain

By Ancient Origins