St. Clair's Defeat

Also known as the Battle of a Thousand Slain, Miami leader Mihšihkinaahkwa, Shawnee leader Weyapiersenwah, and Lenape leader Buckongahelas led Northwest Indian Confederacy forces to a decisive win against the US Army during the Northwest Indian War. Still described as "the most decisive defeat in the history of the American military," the Native forces includes Miamis, Lenape, and many Potawatomis against ~1000 US military men. Only 24 American's escaped and it led to the first ever congressional inquiry into the federal branch. This defeat followed the earlier defeats by Harmar's forces. Another prelude to this battle was the capture of Mihšihkinaahkwa's daughter by the US Army in August of that year at the battle of Kenapacomaqua. After three hours of fighting, St. Clair and the remaining officers attempted to fight out an escape, intentionally abandoning their women and children. The casualty rate was the highest percentage ever suffered by a United States Army unit and included St. Clair's second in command, Richard Butler. Of the 52 officers engaged, 39 were killed and 7 wounded; around 88% of all officers had become casualties.