Pontiac in Livingston County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Pontiac
The City of Pontiac is named for this Intrepid Warrior
Pontiac organizer of the conspiracy which bears his name, was born on the Maumee River in what is now Ohio, in 1720. As Chief, he led the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians at Braddocks (sic) defeat July 9, 1755. When France surrendered Canada to the English, Pontiac made peace with the new rulers, but later, enraged by his treatment from the British, he organized the Northwest Tribes into a united and simultaneous attack on the British posts, choosing for himself to take Detroit. In May 1763 all the western posts were taken except Detroit and Fort Pitt. The conspiracy failing with these defeats, Pontiac came West to organize the Illinois and Mississippi Tribes into another uprising, but failed. Four years later he was killed by an Illinois Indian near Cahokia. In strength of mind and breadth of vision, Pontiac ranks among the great leaders of his race.
The City of Pontiac is named
for this intrepid warrior
In 1837 Jesse W. Fell, a distinguished citizen of Illinois, who was associated with many activities in the early history of this city, was requested by Henry Weed, the first settler and proprietor of what is now the County Seat, to prepare a petition for a Post Office. Desiring to perpetuate some of the favorite names of the fast vanishing race, he inserted the name of Pontiac, hence the name of the city. Mr. Fell also named the County, choosing the name of Edward Livingston a distinguished attorney and statesman, and Secretary of State under President Andrew Jackson.
Erected 1936 by State of Illinois, and Livingston County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • War, French and Indian • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1763.
Location. 40° 52.78′ N, 88° 37.731′ W. Marker is in Pontiac, Illinois, in Livingston County. Marker is at the intersection of West Washington Street and North Main Street, on the left when traveling east on West Washington Street. This 'Arrow Shaped' historic marker is located on the South/East lawn of the Livingston County Courthouse in Pontiac, Illinois. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pontiac IL 61764, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. County Seat Almost Moved (a few steps from this marker); W. W. II War Memorial - Livingston County Illinois (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Memorial - Livingston County Illinois (within shouting distance of this marker); W. W. I War Memorial - Livingston County Illinois (within shouting distance of this marker); Desert Storm - War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Livingston County War Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mill Stones (about 400 feet away); Pontiac, Illinois (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pontiac.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2010, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 1,368 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 13, 2010, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 2. submitted on August 23, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on April 13, 2010, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 9. submitted on June 10, 2010, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.