In an earlier post, I mentioned the possibility that Davy Crockett might have named his rifle after that little six-pounder cannon at Fort Stephenson when George Croghan won his big victory.
The Guns of the Old West site says no. Davy named all of his rifles (not just one) after his favorite sister, Betsy.
There is no mention that Davy Crockett was at Fort Stephenson either. But. most likely he knew about it.
--BrockBetsy
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
Showing posts with label "Ol' Betsy". Show all posts
Showing posts with label "Ol' Betsy". Show all posts
Monday, April 11, 2016
Friday, April 8, 2016
George Croghan-- Part 10: A Followup
In 1851, the mayor of Fremont (as Fort Stephenson was now called) arranged for the return of "Ol' Betsy" from a government armory. The cannon was placed at the site of Fort Stephenson.
On August 2, 1885, a monument was dedicated at the site of Fort Stephenson.
Every September 2 is celebrated as Croghan Day in Fremont.
On August 2, 1906, the remains of George Croghan were brought from Louisville and interred at the base of the monument.
--Brock-Perry
On August 2, 1885, a monument was dedicated at the site of Fort Stephenson.
Every September 2 is celebrated as Croghan Day in Fremont.
On August 2, 1906, the remains of George Croghan were brought from Louisville and interred at the base of the monument.
--Brock-Perry
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
George Croghan-- Part 7: A Disaster for the British
Until last week, I was completely unfamiliar with this man. I am sure learning a lot about him.
On August 2, 1813, the British bombardment lifted and General Proctor began his assault.
British troops got to withing 15-20 feet of Fort Stephenson's northwest corner. They were led by Lt. Col. William Shortt, who yelled: "Come on my brave fellows, we will give the damned Yankee rascals no quarter!!" At that moment, Croghan's troops and "Ol' Betsy" belched forth their missiles of death. And death and carnage came upon the attacking British soldiers.
Lt. Col. Shortt was mortally wounded and in just 30 minutes, the British had 25 dead and about as many wounded.
Croghan reported some 150 British soldiers killed , wounded or captured.
--Brock-Perry
On August 2, 1813, the British bombardment lifted and General Proctor began his assault.
British troops got to withing 15-20 feet of Fort Stephenson's northwest corner. They were led by Lt. Col. William Shortt, who yelled: "Come on my brave fellows, we will give the damned Yankee rascals no quarter!!" At that moment, Croghan's troops and "Ol' Betsy" belched forth their missiles of death. And death and carnage came upon the attacking British soldiers.
Lt. Col. Shortt was mortally wounded and in just 30 minutes, the British had 25 dead and about as many wounded.
Croghan reported some 150 British soldiers killed , wounded or captured.
--Brock-Perry
George Croghan-- Part 6: The Bombardment of Fort Stephenson
On August 1, 1813, Porter's gunboats on the Sanduskey River and field artillery opened fire on Fort Stephenson, but with little effect. George Croghan moved his one artillery piece, "Ol' Betsy" around so the British thought he had more artillery.
He also noted the British were firing particularly at the northwest corner of the fort and determined this would be the point of attack when it came. Sandbags were used to reinforce it so he also posted "Ol' Betsy" there and loaded it with grape shot and musket balls.
On August 2, the barrage ended and British General Proctor began his assault.
--Brock-Perry
He also noted the British were firing particularly at the northwest corner of the fort and determined this would be the point of attack when it came. Sandbags were used to reinforce it so he also posted "Ol' Betsy" there and loaded it with grape shot and musket balls.
On August 2, the barrage ended and British General Proctor began his assault.
--Brock-Perry
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