Copus massacre

The Copus massacre is a name given to a skirmish occurring on September 15, 1812, between American settlers and Lenape, Wyandot, and Mohawk Native Americans on the Ohio frontier during the War of 1812.

Copus Massacre
Part of the War of 1812
DateSeptember 15, 1812
Location
Ashland County, Ohio
Result United States victory
Belligerents
  • Lenape people
  • Wyandot people
  • Mohawk people
  United States
Commanders and leaders
Strength
  • Lenape people
  • Wyandot people
  • Mohawk people
 Ohio Militia and settlers
Casualties and losses
2-11 killed 4 killed
3 wounded

The massacre resulted from a misunderstanding between Reverend James Copus and the members of the Native American tribes. Copus was instructed to persuade the tribes to relocate to the Piqua Reservation before the United States would force them to do so.

However, even after reaching an agreement with the tribes, American soldiers razed the tribe's homes, burning the entire village to the ground. Assuming Copus's betrayal, the Native Americans then retaliated. The massacre is named for Reverend James Copus, who died during an attack on his house.

In addition to Reverend Copus, 3 American soldiers died in the conflict; 2 to 11 Lenape, Wyandot, and Mohawk people died. The American settlers were defending Charles Mill Lake, Ohio while the displaced Lenape, Wyandot, and Mohawk people were most likely retaliating against multiple forced displacements and the Americans' destruction of their homes.

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