James Fenimore Cooper was the most popular American writer of his day, but today he is best known for The Last of the Mohicans. A part of his Leatherstocking Tales, The Last of the Mohicans takes place in 1757 during the French and Indian War, when France and England battled for control of the American and Canadian colonies. It features Cooper's best-known character, the woodsman Natty Bumppo, also known as "Hawkeye" or "Leatherstocking." Hawkeye is brave, noble, honest and respects the customs of the Indians.