Cornstalk first appears in historical documents in 1764, when he was one of the hostages surrendered to the British as part of the peace negotiations ending Pontiac's War.
21 Facts About Cornstalk
Cornstalk was the primary Shawnee war chief in Lord Dunmore's War, leading Shawnees and other Native warriors against colonists in the Battle of Point Pleasant.
Many Shawnees fought against the Americans, hoping to regain lost lands, but Cornstalk was among those who feared that fighting the Americans would prove disastrous for the Shawnees.
In 1777, Cornstalk made a diplomatic visit to Fort Randolph in Virginia, hoping to learn American intentions.
Cornstalk's murder enraged Shawnees and deprived them of an important voice of moderation.
Moravian missionaries who knew Cornstalk said he was Paxinosa's son or grandson, so Cornstalk might have been born in that area.
Shawnees of Cornstalk's era belonged to one of five tribal divisions: Mekoche, Chalahgawtha, Kispoko, Pekowi, and Hathawekela.
Cornstalk is said to have led a 1763 raiding party into Virginia.
Cornstalk first appears in historical records in 1764, when he took part in negotiations with Colonel Henry Bouquet.
Cornstalk was one of the hostages surrendered by the tribe to ensure compliance with the peace.
Cornstalk had at least two children, sons Cutemwha and Allanawissica.
In 1773, Cornstalk warned Thomas Bullitt against surveying the region.
Cornstalk sent his brother Silver Heels to escort several British traders from the Shawnee towns to safety in Fort Pitt.
Cornstalk was not the principal chief of the Shawnees, as is sometimes thought.
The principal chief in Cornstalk's day was the Mekoche Chief Kisinoutha.
The Shawnees and Mingos were greatly outnumbered by the Virginians, so Cornstalk tried to recruit Native allies in the face of an imminent invasion.
Near sundown, Cornstalk finally withdrew his warriors across the Ohio River.
At the Treaty of Camp Charlotte, Cornstalk apparently accepted the Ohio River as the boundary of Shawnee lands.
Cornstalk surrendered four hostages, including his son, to ensure compliance with the terms.
Cornstalk had Morgan send a message to the Continental Congress, outlining Shawnee grievances and offering friendship.
Cornstalk came to the fort soon after, and all four were detained.