Tecumseh ceremonial pipe   Save
Ohio History Connection Museum
Description: Shawnee leader Tecumseh presented this ceremonial pipe to Thomas Worthington in 1807. It is 16 inches (40.64 cm) long and measures 5 inches (12.7 cm) at its widest point. The pipe is made of forged metal and the wooden handle is decorated with engraved silver inlay. Tecumseh was one of many American Indian leaders who met at Adena, Worthington's home, in 1807. Tecumseh (1768-1813) began to establish a reputation as a leader during the Indian Wars of the late 18th century, when he fought in several minor skirmishes and the Battle of Fallen Timbers. He refused to sign the Treaty of Greeneville, correctly fearing that it would increase white settlement and eventually cost American Indians their land. He argued that all American Indians held land in common and that one tribe could not cede the land to the U. S. government. During the War of 1812, Tecumseh supported the British, in hopes of regaining lost land. He was killed during the Battle of the Thames in 1813. Thomas Worthington (1773-1827) moved to the Northwest Territory in 1798 and settled in Ross County, where he quickly became a leader in the Ohio statehood movement. Politically active throughout his life, Worthington served as one of the first two U. S. senators from Ohio and as governor. Later he served several terms in the Ohio House of Representatives. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: H39472_01
Subjects: American Indians in Ohio; Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief, 1768-1813; Ohio Government; Pipes (Smoking);
Places: Chillicothe (Ohio); Ross County (Ohio)