Treaty of Big Tree

The Treaty of Big Tree (1797) was a treaty between the Native American tribe of the Senecas and the United States. They sold almost all their lands in New York State. In exchange, they got an annual income. The treaty created reservations for the Seneca people in Western New York. Reservations included the Allegany, Cattaraugus, Buffalo Creek, and the Tonwanda. The Oil Spring Reservation was only added in 1801. The treaty caused unrest and division in the Seneca tribe. Notable Native American signers include Cornplanter, Red Jacket, Young King, Little Billy, Farmer's Brother, Handsome Lake, Tall Chief and Little Beard. Americans included Jeremiah Wadsworth, Captain Charles Williamson and Thomas Morris, Robert Morris; General William Shepard, William Bayard, Theophilus Cazenove and Paolo Busti and Captain Israel Chapin.