1720 – 1769

Pontiac

Ottawa Indian leader (1720-1769)

politicianwar chieftraditional leader or chief

Born

1720-01-01, Great Lakes region

Died

1769-04-20

Birthplace state

Wisconsin

Biography

Pontiac or Obwaandi'eyaag was an Odawa war chief known for his role in the war named for him, from 1763 to 1766 leading Native Americans in an armed struggle against the British in the Great Lakes region due to, among other reasons, dissatisfaction with British policies. It followed the British victory in the French and Indian War, the American front of the Seven Years' War. Pontiac's importance in the war that bears his name has been debated. Historical accounts from the 19th century portrayed him as the mastermind and leader of the revolt, but some subsequent scholars argued that his role had been exaggerated. Historians today generally view him as an important local leader who influenced a wider movement that he did not command.

Occupation

Pontiac is recorded as a politician, a war chief and a traditional leader or chief, born in Wisconsin (1720–1769).

Connections to Wisconsin

Pontiac was born in Great Lakes region, Wisconsin in 1720. Explore other notable figures from Wisconsin, historic sites connected to this era, and the full colonial and statehood history of the state using the links below.

Other notable figures from Wisconsin›Wisconsinhistory ›Historic sites in Wisconsin›

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Everything a full report reveals about Great Lakes region

Pontiac came from Great Lakes region. A full Aubrey report on Great Lakes region pulls together everything the historical record holds about that place, from the first settlers to the twentieth century:

Overview

An interactive map of the location with historic sites, battles and Native heritage plotted, and its full story era by era.

The Land

The historic sites and place names around the location, and how this land was settled and used.

Geology

The bedrock beneath the site, its age and rock type, reaching back millions of years.

LiDAR Terrain

Laser-scanned terrain that reveals earthworks and old features hidden in the landscape.

Conflict & War

The battles, raids and skirmishes fought near here, across every era of American conflict.

The Civil War

The Civil War on this ground, 1861 to 1865: who held it, and the battles, camps and regiments nearby.

The Soldiers

The men who marched from here in the Civil War, named and traced where the record allows.

Native Heritage

The Native nations who held this land, mapped across time from before European contact to today.

Settlement

Who claimed and held this ground, from Indigenous homelands through the colonial powers to the United States.

The Community

How the town grew, who came, and what kind of place it became, traced through the census record.

Rivers & Rail

The rivers, canals and railroads that connected this place between 1830 and 1911.

Notable People

The people born, buried or genuinely tied to this exact place, with their stories.

Historical Maps

Historic maps of the location layered over how it looks today.

Finds & Access

Museum objects tied to the area, and the laws on searching, collecting and access here.

Literature

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Spotlight

A deep dive into the most remarkable, lesser-known history of the place, traced back to the record.

Points of Interest

The most significant historic sites and landmarks near the location, and why they matter.

Timeline

The whole story of the location told era by era, from first peoples to the present day.

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Other historical figures born in Wisconsin, ranked by historical prominence.

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American serial killer (1960–1994)

Frequently asked about Pontiac

Who was Pontiac?

Pontiac was Ottawa Indian leader (1720-1769), born in Wisconsin (1720 – 1769).

When and where was Pontiac born?

Pontiac was born on 1720-01-01 in Great Lakes region.

When did Pontiac die?

Pontiac died on 1769-04-20.

What was Pontiac known for?

Pontiac is recorded as a politician, a war chief and a traditional leader or chief.

Source

Biographical content adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Source: Wikipedia.

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