The 1779 American Sullivan-Clinton Invasion: Perspective From History, Archaeology And Indigenous Community Members

The program will reexamine the 1779 Sullivan‑Clinton expedition into the homelands of the Onöndowa’ga:’ (Seneca) and Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ (Cayuga) Nations of the Hodinǫ̱hsǫ́:nih during the American Revolution. Drawing on recent historical and archaeological scholarship alongside Indigenous oral histories, Cornell Professor Kurt Jordan challenges long‑standing misconceptions about Hodinǫ̱hsǫ́:nih communities, the motives behind the campaign, and its lasting impact. His presentation centers Indigenous perspectives and situates the events of 1779 within deeper, long-term Hodinǫ̱hsǫ́:nih histories, offering a more accurate and meaningful understanding of this pivotal moment. The program is free and open to the public.

“The 1779 American Sullivan-Clinton Invasion” is part of Geneva Read’s 2026 Community Read. The Community Read book is “A People’s History of the American Revolution” by Ray Raphael. The book brings the American Revolution to life by spotlighting the powerful, often overlooked stories of everyday people – women, Native Americans, African Americans, and others whose voices shaped the nation’s fight for freedom.