Moluntha facts for kids

Moluntha, also spelled Molunthe, Melonthe, and Malunthy (died 1786), was an important leader of the Shawnee people in the 1780s. He was killed by a soldier from Kentucky at the start of the Northwest Indian War (1785–1795).

Moluntha belonged to the Mekoche group within the Shawnee tribe. In Moluntha's time, Shawnees lived in separate villages. Each village made its own decisions. There was no single government for all Shawnee villages. However, in the 1760s, they started choosing a special leader from the Mekoche group. This leader would speak for them when dealing with Europeans and Americans. These outsiders often thought this leader was the "principal chief" or "king" of all Shawnees. Kisinoutha was the first such leader. After Kisinoutha died in 1780, Moluntha took his place as this important ceremonial leader.

Why Was Moluntha Important to the Shawnee?

After the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), the United States claimed land north of the Ohio River. They said they won this land in the war. In January 1786, Moluntha and other Mekoche leaders signed the Treaty of Fort Finney. They did not want to sign it, but they felt they had to. This treaty gave most of Ohio to the Americans.

Did the Treaty Bring Peace?

The Treaty of Fort Finney did not stop the fighting. Many Shawnees did not accept the treaty. They felt it was unfair. After signing, Moluntha and other Shawnees sent a message to the British. The British had been their allies in the Revolutionary War. They asked the British for help. They said, "We have been cheated by the Americans. They are still trying to destroy us. Without your help, they might succeed."

How Did Moluntha Die?

In October 1786, General Benjamin Logan led soldiers from Kentucky. They went on an expedition into Shawnee lands. On October 6, the Kentuckians attacked and burned seven Shawnee villages. They killed ten warriors. They also took thirty-two people prisoner, mostly women and children.

Moluntha's Capture

Among the prisoners was Moluntha, who was an older man. He was flying an American flag. He also held a copy of the Treaty of Fort Finney. He wanted to show he was a friend to the United States. A Kentucky soldier named Hugh McGary saw Moluntha. McGary was still angry about a battle called the Battle of Blue Licks. This battle happened four years earlier during the Revolutionary War.

The Tragic End

McGary asked Moluntha if he had been at the Battle of Blue Licks. Moluntha had not been there. But he seemed to misunderstand the question. He answered yes. McGary immediately killed Moluntha. Later, McGary was punished for this. He was suspended from the militia for one year.

What Was Moluntha's Legacy?

Historian Colin G. Calloway said that "Any hope of real peace between the Shawnees and the Americans died with Moluntha." In 1810, another famous Shawnee leader named Tecumseh spoke about Moluntha's death. He used it as an example. He said it showed why the Shawnees could not trust the United States government.