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Two Iroquois chiefs died from a single arquebus shot fired by Samuel de Champlai
1608 Event

July 30

Champlain Shoots Two Iroquois Chiefs at Ticonderoga: 1609

Two Iroquois chiefs died from a single arquebus shot fired by Samuel de Champlain at Ticonderoga in 1609. He'd sided with the Huron and Algonquin against their enemies, thinking it a smart trade alliance. The ball tore through both men wearing wooden armor. A third chief fell moments later. One morning's choice locked France into a century of warfare—the Iroquois never forgot, never forgave, and would eventually help destroy New France itself. Champlain got his fur trade. It cost his country a continent.

July 30, 1608

418 years ago

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