Pontiac Outwitted at Fort Detroit. Pontiac, or Obwandiyag,c. 1720  1769. Ottawa war chief noted for his role in Pontiac's War (17631766). After convincing various Indian tribes join him in an attempt to capture Fort Detroit from the British, he entered the stronghold with about 300 men carrying concealed weapons. The British had learned of Pontiac's plan, however, and were armed and ready. From The History of Our Country, published 1900.