Welcome to the Sugarloaf Massacre Monument, a solemn reminder of a turbulent time in Pennsylvania’s history. This site marks the location of the Sugarloaf Massacre, an event that unfolded on September 11, 1780, during the American Revolutionary War. The massacre was a result of tensions between Native Americans, loyalists, and American settlers, exacerbated by previous skirmishes and conflicts in the area.
The Sugarloaf Massacre involved a small detachment of militia from Northampton County, led by Lieutenants John Moyer and John Fish. These men were part of Captain Johannes Van Etten’s company, tasked with investigating Loyalist sympathizers in the region. The militia set out from Fort Allen, unaware they would soon face a tragic fate.
As the militia men sat down to dinner on that fateful day, they were ambushed by a group of Native Americans and Loyalists. During the skirmish, ten militiamen lost their lives, their bodies discovered later by a burial detail led by Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Balliet. Balliet’s account of the scene reveals the brutality of the attack, as the fallen soldiers were found dead, scalped, and stripped of their belongings.
One notable figure associated with this event is Indian Chief Strong Wolf, who later attended ceremonies commemorating the massacre, adding a poignant connection to the Native American perspective. Over the years, the story of the Sugarloaf Massacre has been retold and examined, with historians like Thomas Verenna scrutinizing the details to ensure accuracy in the retelling of this historical event.
In 1933, the Pennsylvania Historical Commission erected a large granite monument here to honor the men who were killed. This site now serves as a place of remembrance and reflection on the complex and often difficult history of the region and the broader context of the American Revolution. Visitors are invited to reflect on the sacrifices made and the intricate tapestry of history that has shaped this area.
