A member of the Delaware, or Lenape tribe, Teedyuscung grew up near what is now Trenton, New Jersey and came in close contact with European settlers. Later in his life, he proclaimed himself “King of the Delawares” and through negotiations with the colonial government in Philadelphia, attempted to secure a permanent Lenape settlement in the Wyoming Valley.
The twelve-foot statue carved in the likeness of Lenape Chief Teedyuscung (1700-63) that sits in Fairmount Park. The statue was originally made of wood, but was replaced with a limestone replica in 1902, designed by John Massey Rhind for Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Henry, a wealthy Philadelphia couple who wished to create a more permanent tribute.
A member of the Delaware, or Lenape, tribe, Teedyuscung grew up near what is now Trenton, New Jersey, and came in close contact with European settlers. As a young man he became familiar with European customs, language, and religion and when he relocated to Pennsylvania he used his knowledge to advocate to the colonists on behalf of the Lenape who could not speak English or appeal to the colonial government. Later in his life, Teedyuscung proclaimed himself “King of the Delawares” and through negotiations with the colonial government in Philadelphia, attempted to secure a permanent Lenape settlement in the Wyoming Valley. After being refused a permanent Lenape homeland by the Iroquois in 1763, Teedyuscung was murdered by arsonists who burned his home while he slept. The Lenape were never granted land in the Wyoming Valley and were moved west of the Appalachian Mountains under provisions of the Proclamation of 1763.