Siege of Fort Harrison-- Part 2: 'The Fort of the Two Presidents'

The Native American Confederacy continued their siege for eight days and were not able to capture the fort, despite their glaring numerical advantage.  In the end, their casualties were heavy, especially when compared with just three U.S.  fatalities.

The victory for the Americans promoted increased settlement in the area and the municipality that  that grew up in the immediate vicinity of Fort Harrison would latter be named Terre Haute.

Indeed, our city's foundation is a painful, though crucial  reminder that this land we call home has not always belonged to us.  It was annexed through military conquest toward the pursuit of statehood.  The first step to healing injustice is awareness.

If you would like to know more, a display at the Vigo County Histotry Center shows a detailed  model recreation of Fort Harrison as it would have looked in 1812 and was built by Boy Scout Troop 31 in 1966.

Visitors can view everything  from the barracks and store houses to even an original log used in the fort's construction.  

Fort Harrison is aptly called the "Fort of the Two Presidents."

--Brock-Perry

Two War of 1812 Veterans, an American Revolution and a Civil War Veteran in a Forgotten Cemetery, No Longer That Way

From the November 16, 2020, Asbury Park Press "Desecrated cemetery, lost grave of  18-year-old war heron getting restored in Hazlet" by Jerry Carino.

Hazlet, New Hersey.

Thomas Bailey Aumak was 17 years old when he enlisted to fight for the Union in the Civil War.  The Bayshore native  was mustered into the 87th New York Infantry in November 1861.

Less than a year later, he was dead.

The young hero's grave lies somewhere between two homes on  a residential street in Hazlet.  He is one of at least four  soldiers buried in this hidden cemetery.  There are also am American Revolution militiaman and two War of 1812 veterans.

After decades of desecration and neglect, one neighbor even built a shed on the site; another  removed a gravestone and used it as a porch step.

But, not anymore.  Thomas Aumack would have appreciated it

Because a 17-year-old Eagle Scout candidate was the catalyst.    His name is James Borg.

--Brock-Perry

War of 1812 Heritage Trail in Delaware-- Part 1: An Eagle Scout's Work

While looking up more information on New Castle, Delaware, in the War of 1812, I came across mention of this trail.

It is an eight mile hiking trail established recently by  Eagle Scout Conor Small of Troop 2540, Lewes, Delaware.  It is a tour of key locations and buildings used during the War of 1812, including the 1812 Memorial Park.

--Brock-Perry