Treaty of Fort Wayne
9/30/1809
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This treaty, known alternatively as the Treaty of Fort Wayne, Ten O'clock Line Treaty or the Twelve Mile Line Treaty, grew out of land disputes in the Ohio Valley. Hunger for land threatened the peace that had held between the United States and Ohio Valley Nations since 1795. By 1809, treaties imposed on Native residents by Governor William Henry Harrison were eating away Indiana Territory. Intertribal resistance grew.
Most Delaware, or Lenape, in Indiana were living in villages along the west fork of the White River, a territory similar to the homelands they had left behind a hundred years earlier in southern New Jersey and Delaware—and before then, in New York and Pennsylvania. The Miami had invited the Lenape to live there, but were reluctant to give the Lenape title to the land.
The treaty relieved Lenape apprehensions, at least in the short run. It acknowledged them as co-owners of the White River lands. The Lenape also accepted a share of the $5,200 in goods distributed to all treaty tribes.
Most Delaware, or Lenape, in Indiana were living in villages along the west fork of the White River, a territory similar to the homelands they had left behind a hundred years earlier in southern New Jersey and Delaware—and before then, in New York and Pennsylvania. The Miami had invited the Lenape to live there, but were reluctant to give the Lenape title to the land.
The treaty relieved Lenape apprehensions, at least in the short run. It acknowledged them as co-owners of the White River lands. The Lenape also accepted a share of the $5,200 in goods distributed to all treaty tribes.
This primary source comes from the General Records of the United States Government.
National Archives Identifier: 12013684
Full Citation: Treaty between the United States and the Delaware, Potawatomi, Miami and Eel River Tribes of Indians at Fort Wayne, Indiana; 9/30/1809; RIT #57; Ratified Indian Treaty 34: Seneca - Buffalo Creek, New York, June 30, 1802; Indian Treaties, 1789 - 1869; General Records of the United States Government, Record Group 11; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/treaty-fort-wayne, April 26, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.