Conflicts and Courage – History in Susquehanna County PA

Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, experienced conflicts primarily during the Yankee-Pennamite Wars, disputes over land ownership between settlers from Connecticut (Yankees) and Pennsylvania (Pennamites) in the Wyoming Valley along the North Branch of the Susquehanna River. 

• Pennamite-Yankee Wars:

  • These wars stemmed from conflicting land claims, with both Connecticut and Pennsylvania asserting control over the Wyoming Valley. 
  • The first war began in 1769 and was fought until 1770, and the second war was fought in 1774. 
  • The Yankees, who were from Connecticut, built forts like Forty Fort and Fort Durkee to defend their claims. 
  • The conflicts ended with Connecticut surrendering its claim on the area. 
• French and Indian War:

  • The French and Indian War (from 1755 to 1762) prevented any survey or settlement in the Wyoming Valley. 
  • The French and Indian War also inflamed conflicts between settlers and American Indians that had largely escaped the county because of the Penns' policy to pay Native Americans for land. 
• Other Conflicts:

  • There were also battles for possession between the Seneca and SusquehannockNative American groups. 
  • Border conflicts between the Penns and Calverts also occurred. 
  • The Penn's Creek massacre, a raid by Lenape (Delaware) Native Americans on a settlement along Penn's Creek, a tributary of the Susquehanna River, occurred in 1755.