FACT SHEET

The Tuscarora War: Indians, Settlers, and the Fight for the Carolina Colonies By David La Vere October 2013

 The war lasted from 22 September 1711 to February 1715 in North Carolina, mainly between the Neuse River and its tributaries and the Pamlico River, with some action taking place around Lake Mattamuskeet.

 The Indians fought to right the relationship they had with the North Carolina settlers and colonial government. They had been insulted, abused, lost land, been enslaved, cheated by traders and made complaints that fell on deaf ears.

 Taking action, the Indians captured Surveyor General John Lawson and Baron Christophe de Graffenried while they were on a land reconnaissance mission and executed Lawson. Then, at dawn on September 22, 1711, more than 500 Tuscarora, Core, Neuse, Pamlico, Weetock, Machapunga, and Bear River Indian warriors swept down on the unsuspecting European settlers living along the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers, starting the war.

Indian nations including Tuscaroras English, German, and Swiss settlers/militia and (“Lower” Tuscaroras mainly along such Indian allies as “Upper” Tuscaroras from the Contentnea Creek), Cores, Bear River Roanoke River in North Carolina, and in addition Indians, Neuse Indians, Machapungas to some South Carolina militia, their Indian allies: (Mattamuskeets), and Weetocks. Catawbas, Santees, Waterees, Cusabos, Yamasees, Cherokees, and others.

David La Vere examines the war through the lens of key players in the conflict:

 Christophe de Graffenried—led German settlers to Indian lands on Neuse River  Hancock—Tuscarora chief of Catechna town who led Indian attacks on English  Core Tom—Core Indian chief who demanded war against the English  William Brice—English settler and slave taker on Trent River who counterattacked first  Col. John Barnwell—led the first South Carolina expedition against Tuscaroras which failed  Thomas Pollock—North Carolina governor who demanded breaking of Tuscaroras  Tom Blount—Upper Tuscarora chief who eventually sided with the English  Col. James Moore—led second South Carolina expedition and defeated Tuscaroras