Cornstalk was a Shawnee leader born likely in Pennsylvania. He fought in the French and Indian War and led attacks on settlers in what is now West Virginia. In 1774, he commanded Shawnee forces at the Battle of Point Pleasant during Dunmore’s War, trying to stop settlers from pushing farther westward.

After losing the battle, Cornstalk helped negotiate peace through the Treaty of Camp Charlotte. But when the American Revolution began months later, the peace didn’t last. In 1777, Cornstalk returned to Point Pleasant to warn settlers about possible fighting. Instead, he was held at Fort Randolph and killed by settlers, along with his son and another Shawnee leader.