Chief Tom Blount facts for kids
Chief Tom Blount (1675-1731) was an important leader of the northern Tuscarora tribe in North Carolina. He became famous for joining forces with the English settlers during the Tuscarora War. Blount and his allies fought against the southern group of Tuscarora. English settlers had been taking people from the southern Tuscarora to sell them.
This alliance was very important. The northern Tuscarora likely had better supplies and weapons because Carolina was an English colony. Also, Chief Tom Blount was promised he would lead the entire Tuscarora tribe if his side won. The English also promised to support him.
In 1712, Chief Blount captured Chief Hancock, who led the southern Tuscarora. English settlers then put Chief Hancock to death. This event led to the southern Tuscarora losing much of their power. By 1713, Chief Blount's group had almost completely won the war. Many members of the southern group moved north to New York. They joined the Iroquois tribe. Small fights and raids continued until 1715.
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Who Was Chief Tom Blount?
Chief Tom Blount was born in 1675. He grew up in the Upper Towns, which were near the Tar and Roanoke Rivers. There are different ideas about how Blount got his name. One idea is that an Englishman adopted him and gave him the name. Another idea is that he was the son of an Englishman and a Native American woman.
When Blount was a child, traders from Virginia often visited his area. Because he met these traders over many years, Chief Tom Blount learned to speak English. This skill helped him a lot when he became a leader. Blount lived in a society where family lines were traced through the mother's side. He became chief through his mother's family. Because he had contact with English speakers early on and could speak their language, Blount and his people became allies with the English settlers in North Carolina.
The Tuscarora War
By 1711, many Tuscarora groups faced growing problems with European settlers. The settlers often raided Tuscarora villages. They also took people to sell them as slaves. Plus, settlers sometimes cheated the tribes in trade. They did not always respect the agreements they had signed.
The southern group of Tuscarora faced more of these problems. This was because Chief Tom Blount had a good relationship with the English. His northern group lived mostly in peace.
How the War Started
Chief Hancock, who led the southern Tuscarora, decided to fight back. He convinced smaller tribes nearby to join him. However, Chief Tom Blount and his people stayed neutral at the start of the war.
On September 22, 1711, Chief Hancock and his allies attacked settlers. These attacks happened around the Neuse, Trent, and Pamlico Rivers. This event marked the beginning of the Tuscarora War. The allied Native American forces killed many settlers. This included several important political leaders. This attack led Governor Edward Hyde to create a fighting force of settlers from North and South Carolina.
Major Battles
In 1712, the Colonial Militia of Carolina joined with Chief Blount's forces. They attacked the southern Tuscarora at Fort Narhontes, near the Neuse River. Governor Hyde offered Chief Tom Blount full leadership of the Tuscarora if he helped defeat Chief Hancock.
During this battle, many southern Tuscarora were killed. More than 300 died, and another 100 were captured. Chief Blount also captured Chief Hancock. The English then put Chief Hancock on trial and executed him.
In 1713, the southern Tuscarora were defeated again at Fort Neoheroka. In this battle, about 900 people were killed or captured. At this point, Blount and the Carolina militia had almost won the war. However, small fights and raids continued until 1715.
After the War
The Tuscarora who survived the war had to find new homes. About 250 moved north to New York. They joined the Iroquois Confederacy. Another 3,500 scattered across North Carolina, looking for safety. About 1,000 stayed and accepted Chief Blount as their leader.
The end of the war meant the southern Tuscarora lost much of their power. Chief Tom Blount, as promised, became the full leader of the Tuscarora who remained in the area. This was because of his loyalty and help. The settlers treated Blount like a powerful king.
Because of all the fighting, the Tuscarora were now open to attacks from other tribes. The English agreed to let the Tuscarora move back to their old hunting grounds for safety.
Later Life and Legacy
Chief Tom Blount lived the rest of his life as the "King of the Tuscarora." Blount and the English in North Carolina worked together and lived peacefully. If Blount's people caused any trouble, it was handled directly by him. North Carolina and the Tuscarora became allies against each other's enemies.
As years passed, Blount saw his nation become weaker. Many of his people left to join other tribes. Some went to work for settlers. By 1731, he ruled over about 600 people in total. Eventually, the settlers' desire for land returned. They began to move onto Native American lands again. Chief Blount died in 1731, after seeing his power slowly decrease.
