Guyasuta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Guyasuta
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Guyasuta and George Washington in discussion, Point of View sculpture, Pittsburgh.
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| Seneca leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c.1725 Western New York |
| Died | c.1794 (aged 68–69) Cornplanter Grant (near Corydon, Pennsylvania) |
| Resting place | Custaloga Town Scout Reservation |
| Relations |
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| Military service | |
| Battles/wars | |
Guyasuta (born around 1725, died around 1794) was an important Native American leader. He belonged to the Seneca tribe. Guyasuta played a big role in the wars and peace talks of his time. When he was young, his family moved along the Allegheny River. They finally settled in Logstown, a village in Pennsylvania. His father's side of the family had many brave warriors.
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Guyasuta's Early Life and Meetings
Guyasuta met young George Washington in 1753. He guided Washington through Pennsylvania to the French Fort Le Boeuf. Washington called Guyasuta "The Hunter" in his personal notes.
Guyasuta's Role in Major Conflicts
Even after guiding Washington, Guyasuta helped defeat the Braddock Expedition in 1755. He also joined forces with the French during the French and Indian War. Guyasuta was a key leader in Pontiac's Rebellion. Some historians even called it the Pontiac-Guyasuta War because of his importance.
Guyasuta and the American Revolution
When the American Revolutionary War began, American leaders tried to get Guyasuta to join them. However, like most Iroquois people, he chose to support the British. He felt the British were more willing to work with Native Americans. Guyasuta took part in the Battle of Oriskany during this war.
Working for Peace After the War
After the Revolutionary War, Guyasuta worked to create peace. He wanted good relations with the new United States. His nephew, Cornplanter, became a more active leader in these peace efforts. Guyasuta passed away in his cabin in Pennsylvania in 1794. He was buried nearby with some of his personal items.
Guyasuta was the uncle of two other important leaders: Cornplanter and Handsome Lake.
Although he was never officially baptized, Guyasuta received a Christian burial. Some people believe he might be buried at Custaloga Town Scout Reservation. This is now a Boy Scout camp. It is located along French Creek in French Creek Township, Pennsylvania. This site was once the village of Chief Custaloga.
Guyasuta's Lasting Legacy
In Pittsburgh, Guyasuta is honored with a large public sculpture. It is called Point of View. This sculpture shows Guyasuta and George Washington talking. It overlooks Point State Park.
The Laurel Highlands Council of the Boy Scouts of America also has a camp named after him. A statue of Guyasuta stands in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. It is at the corner of Main and North Canal Streets.
The Kinzua Reservoir is an artificial lake created by a dam. It has a beach and camping area called "Kiasutha Recreation Area." This area is also named in Guyasuta's honor.
