In the early morning of December 19, 1813, the citizens of Lewiston, New York, awoke to unimaginable horrors. The small frontier village, situated on the Niagara River on the border between the United States and Canada, suddenly found itself on the front line of a vicious international war -- the War of 1812. The British-Canadians, along with their allies from the First Nations, ran down River Road toward Lewiston, armed with torches, guns and tomahawks -- intent on retribution and turning Lewiston into a pile of ashes. Poorly defended, Lewiston citizens were on their own. They could only run for their lives through the snow and mud in hopes of escaping the atrocities. Civilians were murdered in the rampage and tormented parents found themselves helpless in trying to save their children -- one 7-year- old was shot and scalped in front of his mother’s eyes. At the moment when Lewiston citizens had lost hope and thought they would all become victims of a bloody and merciless massacre, local Tuscarora men ran down from their village atop the Escarpment and offered the first resistance the enemy had seen. Their ingenious and diversionary tactics gave the impression that “their numbers were legion.”Fearing a trap, the enemy stopped in its tracks. Despite being outnumbered 30 to 1, the Tuscaroras were able to buy the escaping residents enough time to get out of harm’s way, saving dozens of American lives. Surprisingly, there has never been any official expression of gratitude from the United States, New York State, Niagara County or the Town of Lewiston to the Tuscarora Nation. Until recently, most government officials had never heard the story. Well, it may have taken close to 200 years to care -- but the volunteers from the Historical Association of Lewiston (NY) determined that the Tuscarora Heroes story will never be forgotten again. A monument has been constructed in the center of town that will showcase the brave actions of the Tuscaroras while reminding future generations that the friendship and guardianship of the Tuscaroras will be forever appreciated. 

About Tuscarora Heroes