Before there was a city, there was Chief Pontiac

[Skabewis]

By Jerry Wolffe
Pontiac, Michigan (AP)

The namesake of the city of Pontiac was clubbed and beaten to death in a revenge killing along the banks of the Mississippi River in Illinois in the mid-18th century.

Chief Pontiac’s father was from the Ottawa tribe and his mother was believed to be either a Potawatomi or Miami, said Charlie Martinez, historian for the Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society.

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[Joe G]

"The Clinton River as well as the original British Fort is believed to be under Griswold and Jefferson avenues near the Jefferson service drive that goes under Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit, he said."

Unless the river shifted course about 50 miles or more, it never comes anywhere near Detroit, but has it's mouth at Lake St. Clair, near Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Good overall article, though. Pontiac was a great and respected leader, as he should have been. It's sad that these days, the history isn't taught, or if it is, from only a euro perspective.