Penn's Treaty with the Indians
"Penn's Treaty with the Indians" refers to an agreement made in 1682 between William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, and the local Lenape Native American tribes. This treaty was notable for its peaceful approach, emphasizing mutual respect and fair dealings rather than conflict. Penn sought to establish a harmonious relationship with the Indigenous people, which was a key principle of his vision for the colony.
The treaty is often symbolized by the famous painting by Benjamin West, which depicts the meeting between Penn and the Native leaders. This agreement set a precedent for how Quakers and other settlers interacted with Native Americans, promoting coexistence and cooperation in the early years of Pennsylvania's settlement.