A New Children’s Book Inspired by Lancaster’s Role in the Founding of America.
Just in time for the anniversary of Canassatego’s powerful 1744 speech at the Treaty of Lancaster, I’m excited to announce the release of Canassatego and his Six Arrows, a beautifully illustrated children’s book that brings this forgotten moment of history to life.
About the Book
Canassatego and his Six Arrows
A True Story of Wisdom, Unity, and the Roots of America
Step back in time and meet Canassatego, a wise Onondaga chief whose powerful words helped shape a nation. Based on real events that took place right here in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this picture book recounts the Great Treaty of 1744—and the unforgettable moment when Canassatego broke a single arrow, but could not break a bundle of six.
Through simple yet powerful storytelling, young readers discover how this Iroquois leader taught colonial Americans a timeless lesson: we are stronger together. His words left a lasting impression on leaders like Benjamin Franklin and helped inspire the foundational principles behind the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution.
A tribute to Canassatego’s six arrows can still be seen today, clutched in the eagle’s talon on the back of every one-dollar bill.
Here are the first six pages of the 30-page book.
🟤 Age Range: 6–10
📕 Length: 31 pages
📏 Size: 8.5″ x 8.5″
📖 Format: Paperback
🛒 Available now on Amazon and the Uncharted Lancaster Store
Why I Wrote This Book
In July, I’ll be visiting the Milanof-Schock Library in Mount Joy to present a children’s program titled So You Want to Be… (in my case, an Adventurer). As part of the event, I wanted to introduce future adventurers to the fascinating Safe Harbor petroglyphs and share some of the Native American stories tied to Lancaster County.
One of my all-time favorites is the tale of Canassatego’s six arrows and how it helped shape the U.S. Constitution and is remembered on the back of the one-dollar bill—but I quickly realized there wasn’t a children’s book that told the story. So I decided to write one myself. This book is the result: a tribute to the enduring wisdom of Canassatego, and a way to help young readers understand how Native voices shaped the very foundation of our nation.
A story of strength.
A story of peace.
A story that still matters today.
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Read More
Check out my first full-length book, Uncharted Lancaster’s Ghosts, Monsters, and Tales of Adventure. At 283 pages, it is a journey through supernatural legends, macabre histories, and buried treasures with all 64 stories set right here in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
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Uncharted Lancaster’s Ghosts, Monsters, and Tales of AdventurePrice range: $21.99 through $26.99