Konieschquanoheel (Hopocan)
Konieschquanoheel, also known as Hopocan or Captain Pipe, was a notable leader of the Lenape people during the American Revolutionary War. His primary aim was to maintain the neutrality of the Lenape as tensions escalated between American settlers and Native tribes. However, as hostilities intensified, he took on a leadership role in resisting American expansion through several military actions against settlers. Noteworthy events during his leadership include raids on American settlements and the involvement in the fate of Colonel William Crawford, who was captured and executed after his forces attacked a peaceful Moravian community, an act that heightened violence in the region. Following the upheavals of the war, Konieschquanoheel and his followers ultimately settled near the upper Sandusky River, establishing what became known as Captain Pipe's village. His legacy reflects the complex dynamics of Native American resistance and adaptation during a transformative period in American history. Understanding Konieschquanoheel’s role helps illuminate the struggles faced by Indigenous communities amidst colonial conflicts.
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Konieschquanoheel (Hopocan)
- Born: Unknown
- Birthplace: Unknown
- Died: Unknown
- Place of death: Unknown
Category: Orator, chief
Affiliation: Lenape (Delaware)
Significance: Konieschquanoheel (also known as Captain Pipe and Hopocan) led a faction of the Lenape in resisting American expansion in the late 1700s.
Konieschquanoheel (also known as Hopocan and Captain Pipe) attempted to maintain the neutrality of the Lenape during the American Revolution. However, as hostilities grew, Konieschquanoheel led a faction of the Lenape in resisting American expansion.
During the American Revolutionary War, Konieschquanoheel led several raids on American settlers. After Colonel William Crawford’s forces were defeated at Sandusky, Ohio, in 1782, Crawford was captured and relinquished to Konieschquanoheel. In retaliation for his troops’ massacre of peaceful Moravian Delawares at Gnaddenhutten, Pennsylvania, Crawford, a friend of General George Washington, was tortured and executed. His death escalated warfare on the western frontier.
After relocating several times during the revolution, Konieschquanoheel and his group settled on the upper Sandusky River at what became known as Captain Pipe’s village.
Bibliography
“Konieschquanoheel.” Ohio History Central, ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Konieschquanoheel. Accessed 24 May 2023
“About the Lenape.” Lenape Union Land Trust, 21 Jan. 2022, lenapeunionlandtrust.org/about-the-lenape/. Accessed 24 May 2023.