Tyonajanegen
American Revolution

Tyonajanegen
American Revolution

Tyonajanegen (“Two Kettles Together”) of the Oneida tribe, fought in the Battle of Oriskany, one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War. Tyonajanegen, her husband, 60-100 Oneida warriors, and a band of troops led by General Herkimer were heading to relieve the siege of Fort Stanwix, New York, when Iroquois warriors ambushed them. After her husband sustained a shot in the wrist, Tyonajanegen assumed his position and reloaded and fired his musket. She “fought by his side” throughout the six-hour fight. Afterward, Tyonajanegen rode to bring news of the battle’s outcome to local rebel forces. Her family and tribe’s efforts during the Revolutionary War were instrumental in helping to achieve an American strategic victory at the August 1777 Oriskany battle.