Current borders of Ohio State
The town of Gnadenhutten was established by Moravian missionaries in 1772 when Ohio was still considered “Indian Country.” The British had wrested control of the Midwest from France at the end of the 7 Years War (French and Indian War) in 1763. Since then they had lightly garrisoned a string of forts throughout the region and forbidden English colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.
Missionaries were historically granted exceptions to such policies as they were tasked with converting indigenous peoples to Christianity and European labor and customs. Such was the case with the Moravians who lived among the Lenni Lenape people (Delawares) and worked to convert them to their faith.
However, in the midst of the War for Independence, the British relocated the townspeople of Gnadenhutten to a place called “Captive Town” further north. Unsure of their loyalties, the British kept the population under guard while the leadership were interrogated for treason. In February of 1782 a group of 100-150 Lenni Lenape townspeople were granted permission to return to Gnadenhutten to gather much needed food and supplies.
On March 8, 1782 a detachment of the Pennsylvania Militia arrived in Gnadenhutten, accused the Delawares of committing attacks in their state, and detained everyone in the town. The next day, they summarily executed them by bludgeoning- men, women, and children.
There were only 2 survivors.
Sources:
“The Poor Defenseless Ones…”- Ohio Memory
Over 240 Years Later, an Ohio Community Remembers its Founding Massacre- Midstory
The Dark Dawn in Ohio- Crazy Dog Audio