Battle of Bushy Run
Near Harrison City, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, USA
What happened
British troops under Colonel Henry Bouquet fought Delaware, Shawnee, Mingo and Huron warriors led by Guyasuta and Keekyuscung. In Pontiac's War, Native nations of the Great Lakes and Ohio Country rose against British rule, and Fort Pitt was besieged. Bouquet's relief column was attacked on the march, and fighting went on until sunset. The next day the warriors were drawn into an attack and then driven off.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Bouquet relieved Fort Pitt. The British victory brought widespread relief to settlers on the frontier.
What came next
Britain issued the Royal Proclamation of 1763, setting a boundary between colonies and Native lands. Pontiac's War ended with treaties in 1765-66, and historians now see it as a stalemate.
Did you know?
The battle is named after Bushy Run, a stream a mile away where soldiers went for water, though most of the fighting was at Edge Hill.
Timeline
- 27 April 1763Pontiac's War begins.
- 5-6 August 1763The Battle of Bushy Run.
- 20 August 1763Bouquet relieves Fort Pitt.
- 7 October 1763The Royal Proclamation is issued.
- 25 July 1766Pontiac makes peace at Fort Ontario.