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
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