Old Northwest Territory Collection

Tecumseh and his brother, The Prophet
Tecumseh pulling his brother, The Prophet, by the hair. Hand-colored woodcut reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

PNAT2A-00020
Little Turtle, chief of Miami tribe. Hand-colored woodcut of a portrait

National Road wagons and stagecoach traffic
Mail coach and slower wagons on the National Road, early 1800s. Printed color halftone reproduction of an Arthurs illustration

PNAT2A-00015
Chief Black Hawk. Hand-colored engraving of a 19th-century portrait by Charles B. King

PNAT2A-00006
Tecumseh in a British uniform. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

PNAT2A-00035
Chief Pontiac addressing a gathering of Native Americans. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustrations

PNAT2A-00034
Shawnee mystic Tenskwatawa, known as The Prophet, holding a ceremony, early 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Pontiac
Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa nation. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

HSET2A-00105
Judges, lawyers, and clients on their way to court on the frontier, late 1700s or early 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Settlement of Indianapolis, 1820
First settlers cabin in Indianapolis, Indiana, 1820. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

NATI2A-00132
Canoes on the Ohio River traveling by moonlight Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Toll-gate on the National Road
Westbound wagons at a National Pike toll-gate, mid 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

PNAT2A-00014
Ottawa chief Pontiac in tribal council, holding a wampum belt. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

PNAT2A-00009
Tecumseh defends the whites at Fort Meigs, Ohio, besieged by British forces in the War of 1812. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

HSET2A-00053
Wagon train on the National Road, early 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EVNT2A-00268
British General Henry Bouquets council with Native Americans during Pontiacs War, 1763. Hand-colored woodcut

PEXP2A-00099
Christopher Gist exploring the wilderness of Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

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The Old Northwest Territory: A Land of History and Progress Step back in time to the era of PNAT2A-00020, where the Old Northwest Territory was a land teeming with stories waiting to be told. This vast region witnessed significant events that shaped America's history, from the influential figures like Tecumseh and his brother, The Prophet, to the bustling National Road wagons and stagecoach traffic. As you explore this captivating territory through archival images such as PNAT2A-00015, PNAT2A-00035, and PNAT2A-00034, you'll uncover tales of resilience and struggle. One such story is that of Pontiac's rebellion (PNAT2A-00014), a pivotal moment when Native American tribes united against British rule. But amidst these conflicts emerged progress. HSET2A-00105 captures the settlement of Indianapolis in 1820—a turning point for this once wild frontier. As pioneers flocked westward seeking new opportunities, they transformed untamed lands into thriving communities like never before. One iconic symbol of progress along this journey was the Toll-gate on the National Road (NATI2A-00132). Here weary travelers paid their dues for passage on this vital artery connecting East to West. These tolls funded road improvements that facilitated trade and commerce across state lines. The Old Northwest Territory became a melting pot where diverse cultures converged—Native Americans interacting with European settlers who brought their own customs and traditions (PNAT2A-00015). This cultural exchange laid foundations for future generations while preserving rich heritage passed down through centuries. Today we stand upon the shoulders of those who ventured into uncharted territories—the brave souls who dared to dream beyond what they knew. Let us honor their legacy by delving into our past—into places like Tecumseh's homeland or witnessing wagons traversing rugged landscapes—and appreciating the sacrifices made for progress.