Andrew Lewis (soldier) - Between Wars

Between Wars

When relative peace returned, Lewis entered politics. When Botetourt County was formed in 1769 he was elected to the House of Burgesses. He was a member from 1770 to 1780, though the American Revolution prevented him from attending in the later years.

The Proclamation of 1763 officially restricted Virginia's western expansion, but Lewis continued his hunting and exploration trips into what later would become West Virginia. In 1774, Dunmore's War broke out against the Shawnees. Governor Dunmore led a force from Fort Pitt into the Ohio Country. Lewis, now promoted to colonel, led a second force by the southern route.

Lewis was attacked by the Shawnee Chief Cornstalk when he was camped at the Ohio River crossing at Point Pleasant. His victory in the Battle of Point Pleasant on October 10, 1774, secured his military reputation.