In 1782, the village of Gnadenhutten had about 100 Christian Indians, mostly Delawares, there to gather crops from their fields. Although the Indians professed and practiced neutrality, the British, Americans, and other Indians did not trust those living at Gnadenhutten. The leader of the mission, David Zeisberger, had been tried by the British for treason. He had been cleared of the charges in a British court

While the Indians were harvesting the corn, some white settlers were attacked. Other settlers blamed those at Gnadenhutten for the violence. The settlers organized and went to Gnadenhutten where they claimed to find clothing from the murdered whites. The Indians were confined to their church while the settlers voted on their fate. Less than 20 of the approximately 100 whites voted against the murder of the Indians. When the Indians learned of their fate, they spent the night praying and singning hymns.

The following morning, March 9, 1782, the Indians were led from the church in pairs and killed. Their skulls were crushed with mallets. In all, 28 men, 29 women, and 39 children were murdered.

from the Ohio Historical Society Site