The Eel River Indians were a subgroup of the Miami tribe, historically located in Indiana. Their village centered at Thorntown, Boone County, where they had a reservation until its sale in 1828. Following this, they relocated to the Miami Reservation near the Wabash and Eel rivers in Miami County. Their experiences reflected the broader challenges faced by the Miami tribe during this period. The name “Eel River” derives from the French term “I’Anguille,” meaning “The eel.
The Eel river or Thorntown party of Miami Indians cede to the U.S. all claim to a reservation of land about 10 miles square at their village on Sugar Tree creek in Indiana, reserved to them by article 2, of the treaty of Oct. 6, 1818.
The Treaty of July 22, 1814, marks a significant peace agreement between the United States and various Native American tribes, including the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanoese, Senecas, and Miamies. Authorized by U.S. commissioners William Henry Harrison and Lewis Cass, the treaty stipulates mutual support in the war against Great Britain and establishes protections for the tribes. It reinforces tribal loyalty to the U.S. and outlines the restoration of pre-war territorial boundaries, emphasizing a formal commitment to peace and cooperation among the parties involved.
On August 7, 1803, a council convened in Vincennes, led by Governor William Henry Harrison, to finalize a treaty with several Indian nations, including the Eel River, Wyandot, Piankashaw, and Kaskaskia tribes. The chiefs consented to relinquish land rights for three one-mile tracts along key roads to facilitate traveler accommodations. The agreement, signed by Harrison and numerous Indian leaders, underscores the United States’ expanding reach into the Northwest Territory, marking a significant moment in the country’s territorial negotiations with indigenous peoples.
The Treaty of Greenville, signed on August 3, 1795, marked a crucial agreement between the United States and several Native American tribes, including the Wyandot, Delaware, and Miami. Establishing peace, it ended hostilities and facilitated the cession of vast lands in Ohio to settlers. It set future precedents for land treaties, leading to further territorial losses for Indigenous peoples. Key provisions included the cessation of violence, the restoration of prisoners, and defined boundaries for Native lands, underlining a complex relationship rooted in both cooperation and dispossession.
The treaty of September 30, 1809, between the United States and the Delaware, Miami, Putawatimie, and Eel River tribes, involved significant land cessions to the U.S. in exchange for annuities totaling $1,850. It established rights for the tribes regarding land use and improvement, and sought to regulate inter-tribal disputes over property. Additionally, it highlighted the necessity for Wea tribe consent for land title completion and addressed compensation for the Miami nation due to prior land guarantees. An additional agreement for future compensation was also made contingent on the Kickapoos’ agreement.
On June 7, 1803, a treaty was signed at Fort Wayne between the United States and several Indian tribes, including the Delaware, Shawanoe, and Miami nations. The treaty established boundaries for land claims and outlined the cession of the great salt spring on Saline Creek to the United States, which also agreed to provide annual salt for the tribes. Additionally, provisions were made for locating tracts of land for traveler accommodations. The treaty aimed to foster cooperation between the U.S. and the tribes while clarifying land rights.
On August 21, 1805, a treaty was established at Grouseland between the United States and several Native American tribes, including the Delawares, Miamis, Eel River, and Weas. The treaty formalized land cessions from these tribes to the U.S., adjusting territorial claims and compensation. The contract recognized the joint ownership of certain lands, required mutual consent for future sales, and stipulated annual payments as compensation. Notably, the Delawares relinquished prior claims for peace, establishing terms of cooperation and acknowledging boundaries for the tribes involved.
The More Farm, once owned by early settler Alexander More, is a significant historical site near Eel River. It features a defensible hill and remnants of a trading post, believed to have been established with the help of French or British traders. The site played a crucial role in trade and conflict involving local tribes, particularly under the influence of Little Turtle. After his death, the fort was destroyed during the War of 1812, marking the end of its prominence, yet it remains a key point in local history.
At the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, Chief Little Turtle, a prominent Miami leader, passionately defended his people’s ancestral lands during negotiations with General Wayne. Despite his eloquent pleas, he reluctantly signed the treaty, recognizing the inevitability of American expansion. Afterward, he received government support to transition his people from hunting to agriculture, though this effort largely failed. Throughout his life, Little Turtle advocated for vaccination against smallpox and campaigned against alcohol, seeking to protect his people from its devastating effects. His endeavors, however, met with limited success.
Michikinikwa, known as Little Turtle, was born in 1751 to the Miami chief Aquenackque, who played a significant role in early American history. Aquenackque led the Miamis in their resistance against the Iroquois and raised a family in Eel River, with Little Turtle eventually becoming a prominent chief. His leadership shone during conflicts with American settlers post-Revolutionary War, particularly in defeating General St. Clair. Despite earlier victories, Little Turtle advised peace after a series of defeats against General Wayne, indicating a pragmatic shift in the face of overwhelming opposition.
The exact location of Turtle Village remains debated. Calvin Young suggests it was near Blue River Lake in Whitley County, supported by historical evidence. However, Kilsoquah, Little Turtle’s granddaughter, claims it was at the bend of Eel River, lending credence to that site. The destruction of Eel River Post and surrounding villages marked the decline of Miami power, exacerbated by their defeat in the War of 1812. Additionally, The Island served as a strategic retreat for the Miamis against the Potawatomies, showcasing the area’s significance in early indigenous history.
This booklet seeks to illuminate the rich history of the Eel River region before white settlement began just over a century ago, highlighting the extensive Indian presence and trade routes vital to the area. The Kenapocomoco served as a significant trade highway, where battles between Americans and Indians unfolded, including key confrontations involving the renowned chief Little Turtle. It also recounts the tragic La Balme Massacre and the historical significance of trails connecting Kekionga with other Indian settlements, shaping the cultural legacy of the region.
Kenapecomaqua, a significant Miami Indian town in Indiana, thrived for over a century along the Kenapocomoco River, known for its role in early conflicts with settlers. In 1790, Antoine Gamelin’s peace efforts failed there as tensions escalated. General Wilkinson led a punitive expedition in 1791, destroying the village and capturing prisoners. Notable leaders like Shamekunnesa and Charley emerged over the years, engaging in treaties with the U.S. The village’s decline followed white settlement in the 1830s, though its legacy endured in local lore and names.
Little Turtle was a prominent traveler and leader in the Northwest Territory, intimately familiar with Indian trails and key villages. His diplomatic efforts included attending treaties and visiting figures like Presidents Washington and Jefferson, earning recognition for his statesmanship. Throughout his life, he maintained a commitment to peace, despite strains with his own people and later challenges from the encroaching white settlers. Little Turtle’s legacy includes his influence on Indian policy and his relationship with Captain William Wells, his adopted son. He passed away in 1812, honored for his contributions.
The term “Ke-na-po-co-mo-co,” derived from the Miami Indian word Kenapekwamakwah, refers to the Eel River, named for its historical abundance of eels. The simplified spelling emphasizes pronunciation, yet some argue the original name possesses a poetic quality akin to other indigenous placenames. The post outlines the significance of the Eel River in connection to figures like Little Turtle and events related to early Indian settlements, offering insight into the region’s history and culture.