Orchard Lake in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Chief Pontiac
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 5, 2020
1. Chief Pontiac Marker
A pleasant tradition, unsupported by history, says that Pontiac once lived on Apple Island here in Orchard Lake. This great Indian chief was born around 1720, probably in the Ottawa village on the Detroit River. A friend of the French, Pontiac was angered by the British rule which began in 1760, and plotted its overthrow. In 1763 he led the Indians of the area in an attack on Detroit while other tribes, who were inspired by him, rose against the British in the West and overwhelmed every for save Fort Pitt and Niagara. Pontiac's siege of Detroit failed. With it, this greatest of Indian uprisings also failed. In 1769 Pontiac was killed by another Indian in Illinois. He probably was buried in St. Louis, Missouri. The city of Pontiac was named in his honor.Erected 1958 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number 177.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1720.
Location. 42°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Green School Bell (approx. 0.2 miles away); Drawn by Water (approx. 0.2 miles away); Conglomerate Boulder (approx. 0.2 miles away); Apple Island (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Orchard Lake Museum (approx. ¼ mile away); Waiting for the Trolleys (approx. ¼ mile away); Emmendorfer House / Francis A. Emmendorfer (approx. 0.3 miles away); Remembering Historic Railways (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orchard Lake.
Also see . . . Chief Pontiac marker getting a makeover. Article in February 2, 2013 edition of The Oakland Press explaining that the marker was rehabilitated and was to be replaced in time for the 250th anniversary of Pontiac's Rebellion. (Submitted on September 6, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 5, 2020
2. Chief Pontiac Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 549 times since then and 218 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
