Places That Built the Story
An interactive map of the Mohawk Valley, battle sites, diplomatic journeys, settlement regions, and memorial locations — from 18th-century Haudenosaunee homeland to the Grand River and across the Atlantic.
Four Journeys That Shaped a Life
From the Mohawk Valley to the courts of London, from the battlefields of the Revolution to the settlement of the Grand River — these journeys defined Thayendanegea's world.
Youth & Education
Born near Canajoharie in the Mohawk Valley, the young Thayendanegea entered Sir William Johnson's orbit at Fort Johnson, then traveled to Lebanon, Connecticut for formal English education at Moor's Charity School. These formative years gave him fluency in two worlds — a skill that would define his entire career.
The London Mission
Sailing from New York City with Guy Johnson, Thayendanegea crossed the Atlantic to meet King George III and advocate for Haudenosaunee land rights. In London, George Romney painted his iconic portrait. He returned to America with a commitment to the British alliance — and a determination that would drive the next decade of his life.
The Revolutionary War
From his base at Oquaga, Thayendanegea led Haudenosaunee and loyalist forces through some of the most contested battles of the frontier war — Fort Stanwix, Cherry Valley, Newtown. The Sullivan-Clinton scorched-earth campaign devastated the Haudenosaunee homeland, driving refugees to Fort Haldimand and Fort Niagara.
Grand River Settlement
After the war, Thayendanegea secured the Haldimand Tract along the Grand River and led the resettlement of displaced Haudenosaunee people. He spent his final years at Burlington Bay, continuing to negotiate land rights and translate religious texts into Mohawk until his death in 1807.
The Territory, c. 1720
Before European encroachment accelerated, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy controlled a vast territory. This map shows the approximate territories of the Six Nations.
The Eastern Door
The Mohawk — Thayendanegea's nation — held the eastern door of the Longhouse, serving as first contact with European newcomers.
The Central Fire
The Onondaga kept the central fire of the Confederacy. Their territory was the seat of the Grand Council.
The Western Door
The Seneca guarded the western door. Their vast territory stretched toward the Great Lakes.
Map Categories
Origins
Birthplace, homeland communities, and formative locations.
Diplomacy
Treaty sites, diplomatic meetings, and political negotiations.
Conflict
Battle sites and locations of military significance during the Revolution.
Settlement
Post-war resettlement locations along the Grand River and beyond.
Modern Legacy
Present-day memorials, cultural centres, and heritage sites.
Journey Paths
Connecting lines trace major journeys. Toggle them on or off with the Journey Paths button.
The Haldimand Tract: Then & Now
In 1784, the Haldimand Proclamation granted the Haudenosaunee approximately 950,000 acres along the Grand River. Today, the Six Nations reserve encompasses less than 5% of the original grant.
The Original Grant
"Six miles deep from each side of the river, beginning at Lake Erie and extending in that proportion to the head of said river." — Haldimand Proclamation, 1784
How It Shrank
Unauthorized surveys, government-imposed "surrenders," sales by Thayendanegea (disputed by other leaders), and colonial legal maneuvers systematically reduced the tract over two centuries.
The Fight Continues
Six Nations has never accepted the loss of the Haldimand Tract as legal. Land-rights claims remain active in Canadian courts and have generated international attention.
Explore the Source Vault
See the portraits, letters, maps, and documents connected to these places.