Pontiac, one of the most significant native-American war chiefs of the 18th century, led a life of elusive grandeur. Few substantial facts are known about his life. There are sketchy reports as to who his parents were. Some say he was the son of an Ottawa mother and a Chippewa father although there is little evidence to support this claim. Some say Pontiac was an unattractive man, others say he was remarkable looking. Despite the conflicting information, all sources tend to agree that Pontiac was a man with a strikingly commanding air. What we do known for certain about Pontiac is that he waged the most co-ordinated uprising in native-American history.

Pontiac became a man of influence when his tribe became involved in British-French disputes. Pontiac was a staunch supporter of the French. His increasing contact with the British further strengthened this support. In 1757, Pontiac's name appeared in a document for the first time. The document was a speech he gave to his people protesting the efforts of the British to lure away native tribes who allied with the French.

When the British declared victory over the French in what would become Canada, Pontiac knew the livelihood of his people would be threatened. However, he was not willing to fall into the unforgiving stranglehold of the British regime. He led an alliance of native tribes, which opposed British control over their lands. These tribes included the Delawares, Hurons, Illinois, Kickapoos, Miamis, and Potawatomies. In 1763, a council was held with key members of these tribes - they determined to rise up against the British. Each nation was to rise simultaneously against the British post in their area. The campaign would begin when Pontiac gave the word. The strategy worked - all forts fell or surrendered, except Fort Detroit and Fort Pitt. Pontiac was responsible for Fort Detroit.

News of Pontiac's plan to attack Fort Detroit reached the post's commanding officer before the plan could be executed. The officer and his men foiled the attack, and Pontiac instead led a siege of the fort. Numerous battles and several months later, interest in upholding the siege began to wane. Many warriors returned home to care for their families. In 1766, Pontiac's siege of Detroit ended. When Pontiac realized the French would never support him against the British, he agreed to sign a peace treaty with British government officials. The terms of the treaty were such that Pontiac could not be considered guilty for any wrongdoing.

On April 20, 1769, Pontiac was in Cahokia trading some goods. He was in the company of a seemingly innocent, young, Peoria warrior named Pihi or Black Dog. As they left a trading store, Pihi unexpectedly clubbed Pontiac; as the chief fell to the ground, Pihi then stabbed him.

The death of Pontiac marked the end of the life of a fierce warrior, but the beginning of a legacy. Although he has waged an ultimately unsuccessful resistance, Pontiac would inspire many future native warriors in their struggle to resist European domination.