Additional Historical Context

For most of the American Revolution the British controlled New York. The Haudenosaunee who lived in New York were divided about who to support, the British or the colonists seeking independence. The Oneida chose to side with the Patriots, while the Seneca, Cayuga and Mohawk sided with the British Loyalists.

Konwatsi’tsiaienni Molly Brant was a Mohawk woman who lived in Canajoharie, New York. She was a leader in her community, encouraging the Haudenosaunee to side with the British.  She gave the British information about the Continental Army, which led to a deadly British ambush at the Battle of Oriskany.

The local Continental government in Canajoharie was angry at Brant and the Haudenosaunee for giving information to the British. They also wanted to claim the land that the Haudenosaunee lived on. One night in the fall of 1777, people from Canajoharie raided the homes of Molly Brant and other Haudenosaunee families. The attackers painted their faces black. They stole silver candlesticks, clothing, cash, window glass and prayer books. They also dug up the graves of recently buried Haudenosaunee men, stealing coats and blankets.

After the raid, Molly Brant, her children and many other Haudenosaunee families fled. They went to Ft. Niagara and Canada, which were controlled by the British, to live in safety for the rest of the war.