Chingachgook is a fictional character in four of James Fenimore Cooper's five Leatherstocking Tales, including his 1826 novel The Last of the Mohicans.

In the series The Leatherstocking Tales by James Fenimore Cooper, Chingachgook is the best friend and companion of the main character Natty Bumppo, aka Hawkeye.

Chingachgook is said to have been modeled after a real-life wandering Mohican basket maker and hunter named Captain John.

The fictional character, occasionally called John Mohegan in the series, was an idealized embodiment of the traditional noble savage.

The French often refer to Chingachgook as "Le Gros Serpent", the Great Snake, because he understands the winding ways of men's nature and he can strike a sudden, deadly blow.

Jay Silverheels, best known for his role as Tonto on The Lone Ranger, played Chingachgook in the 1953 film version of The Pathfinder.

Chingachgook wanted to create a band of volunteers from all the nations of the Delaware River valley to support and protect their collective interests.