Looking For Fort Johnson-- Part 1: People Don't Know Much About the War in the Upper Mississippi Valley

From Illinois State Archaeology Survey "War of 1812 Forts Project."

During the summer of 2003, David Noka began an unsubsidized search for Fort Johnson and Cantonment Davis in Warsaw, Illinois.  They were assisted by others.

As far as the War of 1812 is concerned, some people in the country know a little about the war, mainly sea victories, Fort McHenry, Battle of New Orleans and the burning of Washington, D.C., but most would be hard-pressed to say much about the important aspect of the war in the Upper Mississippi region.

Brevet Major Zachary Taylor established Fort Johnson in September 1814.  It commanded the mouth of the Des Moines River and a series of rapids on the Mississippi River.

It was abandoned and destroyed less than eight weeks later when it became apparent that because of its remoteness, if would be too hard to supply during the winter.

--Brock-Perry