Numerous forts were built in the lands of the Old Northwest Territory from the time of the first French explorers to the end of the Black Hawk War. This book highlights those which have been fully or at least partially reconstructed today. Forts are arranged geographically by state and chronologically within each state. First the historical background prior to each fort's existence and the reasons for its construction will be explained in the context of the times, including a physical description of each fort. Then the role it played will be explained, highlighting the major events that occurred during war, the settling of the territory, the important people who occupied it, life at the fort, and various other functions of the fort. Finally, information will be provided on what can be experienced and seen at the fort today, including the fort itself with dates and hours of operation, as well as any museums, re-enactments, or other educational activities taking place today.
Some of the forts included are: Fort Meigs, in Ohio, the largest restored stockade fort in the United States, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, where about 100 soldiers desperately held out against approximately 500 Potawatomi warriors during a two week siege. At Fort Michilimackinac, Michigan, Pontiac's allies gained entrance to the fort through a ruse and massacred most of the garrison. In the hastily built Apple River Fort in Illinois, just over thirty settlers, assisted by women and children, repelled Black Hawk and 200 warriors in his only attack on a fort during the Black Hawk War. First the Americans and then the British captured Fort Shelby, the future site of Fort Crawford, Wisconsin, during the War of 1812. The garrison at Fort Madison, Iowa, abandoned their fort in the War of 1812 under fierce attacks by Sauk and Winnebago. In addition to these and other forts an index to names, places, and subjects enhances the text.
Jonathan Hall
2008, 5½x8½, paper, index, 232 pp.
ISBN: 9780788447761
101-H4776
