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In honor of the brave members of the Tuscarora Nation who defended and saved local residents during the war of 1812.
On the morning of December 19, 1813, Lewsiton was attacked by British forces and their Native allies from Canada. The British had captured Fort Niagara hours earlier and were intent on destroying Lewiston, in retribution for the burning down of Niagara On The Lake (then called Newark) days earlier by the Americans.
Poorly defended, Lewiston residents could only run for their lives in hopes of escaping the atrocities. Civilians were killed in the rampage and tormented parents found themselves helpless in trying to save their children.
At the moment when Lewiston citizens had lost hope, a small group of Tuscarora men ran down from their village atop The Escarpment and offered the first resistance the enemy had seen. Their ingenious tactics gave the impression that "Their numbers were legion." Fearing a trap, the enemy stopped in its tracks, allowing time for the citizens to escape.
Despite being outnumbered 30-to-1, the Tuscarora heroes risked their lives, took their courageous stand, and came to the aid of their Lewiston neighbors, saving the lives of dozens of grateful citizens.
Names of the known Tuscarora heroes who defended Lewiston during the British attack December 19, 1813.
Chief Solomon Longboard, Longboard's two sons, Isaac Allen, Willian Alves, Jim Basket, John Beach, Big-Fish, Blacksnake, Black Chief, John Black Nose, Peter Black Nose, David Cusick, George Cusick, John Cusick, Joseph Cusick, Gau-Ya-Re-Na Taw, Little Fish, John Fox, John Green, Isaac Green, Surgin Green, Isaac Grouse, Sgt. Grouse, John Henry, Col. Aaron Johnson, Washington Lewis, Littlegreen, Seth Lyon, Isaac Miller, John Mt. Pleasant, John Obediah, Ovid, Adam Patterson, Henry Patterson, John Patterson, Aaron Pembleton, James Pembleton, Little Billy Printup, George Printup, John Printup, William Printup, Thomas Smith, Peter Sky, Col, Jacobs Taylor, Isaac Thompson, Samuel Thompson, John Tobacco, Capt. Williams, Henry Williams.
Presented in gratitude for the friendship and protection given by the Tuscarora Nation by the National Society United States Daughters of 1812; State of New York Society, United States Daughters of 1812; New York Ciy Chapter, United States Daughters of 1812; Niagara Frontier Chapter, United States Daughters of 1812.
Names of known local citizens killed during the British attack on December 19, 1813. "It is not yet ascertained how many were killed as most of the bodies were thrown into the burning houses and consumed." —Albany Argus newspaper, Jan 4, 1814.
Reuben Lewis, Dr. Joseph Alvord, Mead, teamster, Helen Mead, Miles Gillette, age 19, Jervis Gillette, age 7, Thomas Marsh, John Marsh, Frink, William Gardner, Tiffany, Finch, Dr. Molly, Mack, Trowbridge, Colt; members of militia Captain Rose, Lt. John M. Lowe, George W. Jones & James W. Jones (Sons of Horatio Jones).
Dedicated on December 19, 2013, in commemoration of the Bicentennial of the Heroic Actions of the Tuscarora Nation. Historical Association of Lewiston, Inc.
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