Susan Sleeper-Smith
A) enters directly from the train, late, in a frand entrance
B) opens by lambasting _The Pioneers_ by David McCullough for failing to address Indigenous folks as more than an "Indian menace."

Let's go, S^3.

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Smith argues that this diverse landscape includes numerous Indigenous tribes...AND free Blacks, Irish immigrants, French traders, and many many more.

How exactly could anyone (not mentioning names) fail so miserably to address this diversity?

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Indeed, the fur trade and rich agricultural landscape transformed the land into the most populous landscape in the region.

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Let's talk about tribes in the region.

Washington ordered the destruction of Kekionga, or Miamitown. Enraged, Indian forces confederated. A small number of tribesmen sent American troops limping back to Fort Washington.

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Washington targets agrarian villages to force warriors to return home and disband the confederacy. He sanctions the imprisonment of women and children. Surely this would divide the pan-tribal organization.

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In one campaign, the Kentucky militia captured 40 women left in villages to tend to the sick. The commander was enraged. He thought he would have captured more women. He sent a second force and captured 40 more.

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But the tribes were watching. They memorized all the militia. War calls were sent along the moccasin telegraph. If the tribes didn't act, then the capturing of their women would continue and affect more tribal communities.

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Washington sends more troops. Tribes don't hold back. They shove grass and dirt into solidiers' mouths to signify American greed for land. About 700 soldiers. This was the worst American defeat in history, but it's rarely covered.

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This instilled fear in American colonists. Hostage-taking proved to be a huge blunder. Washington was forced to release the women and children who were imprisoned for over a year. Americans sought to negotiate peace.

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The treaty: twice as many women attended the treaty conference as men. A rare way to hear Indigenous women's voices. Though Putnam negotiated well, the tribes were clear: we will not give up our lands. Americans stay south of the Ohio; Natives stay north.

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So, [David] is Marietta a pioneer success story? Or is it an example of Native women's political and economic prowess?

Indigenous people are the pioneers who settled the trans-Appalachian frontier.

S^3 out.

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