From the December 27, 2015, Lansing State Journal "From dorm site, pieces of Fort Gratiot history."
Baker College of Port Huron is planning a new dorm south of Blue Water Bridge on St. Clair Street, the fort's ditch.
The fort was erected in 1814 and used intermittently through the years until the 1870s.
Many artifacts have been recovered from the site, including uniform buttons of an 1854 artillery pattern, and 1834 infantry pattern and 1812 light artillery pattern.
Also an 1825 large cent and two complete clay bowls were found.
The moat was dug out for use on the fort's ramparts and was actually a dry moat. The ramparts were topped with a wooden palisade.
Fort Gratiot was regarrisoned during the Black Hawk War in 1832 over concerns of a possible Indian attack.
--Brock-Perry
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 Fort Gratiot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fort Gratiot. Show all posts
Monday, February 27, 2017
Friday, July 17, 2015
Back to North Carolina's Fort Hampton-- Part 1: Recruiting for the Army in the State
From N.C. War of 1812.
It's been awhile since I've been writing about this fort as I have been covering Michigan's Fort Gratiot, which was designed by Charles Gratiot, the same man who engineered Fort Hampton. Then, of course, I wrote some about the Salt Battery at Youngstown, New York, along what was called the Niagara Frontier during the war.
Many of the soldiers serving at Fort Hampton were from North Carolina.
U.S. Army Major William S. Hamilton was appointed to the rank of colonel and placed in charge of recruiting for the state of North Carolina.
Col.Hamilton considered it an opportunity for those with "a pure spirit and sacred impulse." He promised he would equip volunteers into the U.S. Army in "Rifle dress and give you your favorite weapon, and you will cover yourselves with glory."
Pay for the enlistees ran from $8 to $12 a month, plus they would get a $124 bounty for enlisting and 160 acres of land when the war was over.
This land, of course, was in the west and went a long way toward getting new settlers to the frontier areas.
--Brock-Perry
It's been awhile since I've been writing about this fort as I have been covering Michigan's Fort Gratiot, which was designed by Charles Gratiot, the same man who engineered Fort Hampton. Then, of course, I wrote some about the Salt Battery at Youngstown, New York, along what was called the Niagara Frontier during the war.
Many of the soldiers serving at Fort Hampton were from North Carolina.
U.S. Army Major William S. Hamilton was appointed to the rank of colonel and placed in charge of recruiting for the state of North Carolina.
Col.Hamilton considered it an opportunity for those with "a pure spirit and sacred impulse." He promised he would equip volunteers into the U.S. Army in "Rifle dress and give you your favorite weapon, and you will cover yourselves with glory."
Pay for the enlistees ran from $8 to $12 a month, plus they would get a $124 bounty for enlisting and 160 acres of land when the war was over.
This land, of course, was in the west and went a long way toward getting new settlers to the frontier areas.
--Brock-Perry
Thursday, July 16, 2015
General George Meade at Fort Gratiot
George Meade, who later achieved fame for winning the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War was at Fort Gratiot in 1857. He relieved Lt.Col. James Kearney on the Lakes Survey Mission on the Great Lakes.
Meade completed the survey on Lake Huron.
0--Brock-Perry
Meade completed the survey on Lake Huron.
0--Brock-Perry
Fort Gratiot Reactivated for the 1827 Winnebago War
From Wikipedia.
The Winnebago War of 1827 took place in the Upper Mississippi area, principally in what is today Wisconsin. It was not really a war, actually just a few attacks on American civilians by members of the Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) Indian tribe.
Most of the Indians in the region didn't join in the fight and the Ho-Chunk were forced to cede the lead mining region to the United States.
--Brock-Perry
The Winnebago War of 1827 took place in the Upper Mississippi area, principally in what is today Wisconsin. It was not really a war, actually just a few attacks on American civilians by members of the Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) Indian tribe.
Most of the Indians in the region didn't join in the fight and the Ho-Chunk were forced to cede the lead mining region to the United States.
--Brock-Perry
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Exterior Work on Fort Gratiot Hospital Nearly Completed-- Part 2
Baker College of Port Huron, Michigan, has given $10,000 to the project as they are building student housing on what was once the Fort Gratiot Military Reservation. Overall, the project had raised $41,000 and it is expected another $10-12,000 will be needed to complete it.
The fort was built in 1814 and engineered by Charles Gratiot. After it was abandoned by the Army for awhile, it was reopened during the Winnebago War of 1827 and it also experienced the start of the cholera epidemic of 1832.
Several officers who later achieved fame during the Civil War were posted there over the years leading to the war. Probably the most famous was Army of the Potomac commander George Gordon Meade, the victor at the Battle of Gettysburg.
--Brock-Perry
The fort was built in 1814 and engineered by Charles Gratiot. After it was abandoned by the Army for awhile, it was reopened during the Winnebago War of 1827 and it also experienced the start of the cholera epidemic of 1832.
Several officers who later achieved fame during the Civil War were posted there over the years leading to the war. Probably the most famous was Army of the Potomac commander George Gordon Meade, the victor at the Battle of Gettysburg.
--Brock-Perry
Exterior Work on Fort Gratiot Hospital Nearly Completed-- Part 1
From the April 14, 2015, Times Herald by Bob Gross.
The building is now sheathed in a moisture barrier of what is considered the oldest wooden structure in St. Clair County which is now nearing restoration. Its windows are being made and the front porch is being constructed.
The work is being overseen by the Fort Gratiot Hospital Heritage Committee.
The hospital was built in 1829 and had space for the post surgeon and a hospital ward. After the fort was finally shut down in 1879, it was moved and split in two. It was then located on St. Clair Street.
Port Huron bought the two houses were bought by Port Huron in 2002 and reunited them at the city's Lighthouse Park adjacent to the Fort Gratiot Light Station County Park.
--Brock-Perry
The building is now sheathed in a moisture barrier of what is considered the oldest wooden structure in St. Clair County which is now nearing restoration. Its windows are being made and the front porch is being constructed.
The work is being overseen by the Fort Gratiot Hospital Heritage Committee.
The hospital was built in 1829 and had space for the post surgeon and a hospital ward. After the fort was finally shut down in 1879, it was moved and split in two. It was then located on St. Clair Street.
Port Huron bought the two houses were bought by Port Huron in 2002 and reunited them at the city's Lighthouse Park adjacent to the Fort Gratiot Light Station County Park.
--Brock-Perry
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Some Interesting Facts About the City of Port Huron, Michigan-- Part 1: A Thomas Edison Connection
From the city site.
** French explorer Daniel Greysolon Duluth established Fort St. Joseph near the present site of the Blue Water Bridge in 1686.
** 1814: Fort Gratiot was established at the base of Lake Huron and was considered the first organized population in the area. It was built near the site of Fort St. Joseph.
1825: Fort Gratiot Lighthouse was built. It was the first lighthouse in Michigan. The present lighthouse was built in 1829.
1854: Thomas A. Edison's family moved to Port Huron where he worked at the railroad selling newspapers and "testing" his new inventions. That explains the Thomas Edison Parkway in Port Hudson. I did not know he lived there.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
** French explorer Daniel Greysolon Duluth established Fort St. Joseph near the present site of the Blue Water Bridge in 1686.
** 1814: Fort Gratiot was established at the base of Lake Huron and was considered the first organized population in the area. It was built near the site of Fort St. Joseph.
1825: Fort Gratiot Lighthouse was built. It was the first lighthouse in Michigan. The present lighthouse was built in 1829.
1854: Thomas A. Edison's family moved to Port Huron where he worked at the railroad selling newspapers and "testing" his new inventions. That explains the Thomas Edison Parkway in Port Hudson. I did not know he lived there.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Some More on Fort Gratiot-- Part 2: The Hospital
When the fort was abandoned in 1879, the hospital was split in two for private residences. They were then moved to what is now St. Clair Street, immediately behind (west) of the current Blue Water Convention Center/Hilton.
In the 1970s and 1980s, archaeological work determined the two structures were authentic and had once been a single building. Between 2000 and 2002, the Port Huron Museum acquired both houses and moved them to Lighthouse Park which is owned by the City of Port Huron. There they were once again aligned side-by-side in a stockade-fenced lot.
Restoration of it began in 2012 and will be carried out in phases.
--Brock-Perry
In the 1970s and 1980s, archaeological work determined the two structures were authentic and had once been a single building. Between 2000 and 2002, the Port Huron Museum acquired both houses and moved them to Lighthouse Park which is owned by the City of Port Huron. There they were once again aligned side-by-side in a stockade-fenced lot.
Restoration of it began in 2012 and will be carried out in phases.
--Brock-Perry
Some More on Fort Gratiot-- Part 1: Civil War Service
And to think I didn't know anything about this fort a month ago. I sure know stuff now.
From the Port Huron website.
The original fort is now where the Thomas Edison Parkway and Greenway are located as well as some parcels south and west of it. (Wonder why they would name it after Thomas Edison. Probably another story.)
From 1829-1830, Fort Gratiot was rebuilt with timber framed structures, including officers quarters and the hospital building. these structures were moved several times within the confines of the fort, finally ending up on the western corner.
During the Civil War, it served as the site for training for several Michigan regiments which served with distinction. the fort played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States.
--Brock-Perry
From the Port Huron website.
The original fort is now where the Thomas Edison Parkway and Greenway are located as well as some parcels south and west of it. (Wonder why they would name it after Thomas Edison. Probably another story.)
From 1829-1830, Fort Gratiot was rebuilt with timber framed structures, including officers quarters and the hospital building. these structures were moved several times within the confines of the fort, finally ending up on the western corner.
During the Civil War, it served as the site for training for several Michigan regiments which served with distinction. the fort played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States.
--Brock-Perry
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse
From the Pure Michigan Site.
Port Huron, the home of Fort Gratiot, is also the home of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, the first and oldest lighthouse in Michigan and the oldest on Lake Huron.
It is the oldest operating light on the Great Lakes, established in 1825 and rebuilt in 1829 and 1869.
The lighthouse is located on Lake Huron by the mouth of the St. Clair River and stands 86-feet tall and is made of red brick and painted white. The keeper's house and fog whistle house are painted painted red.
The lighthouse was built just north of the fort.
--Brock-Perry
Port Huron, the home of Fort Gratiot, is also the home of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, the first and oldest lighthouse in Michigan and the oldest on Lake Huron.
It is the oldest operating light on the Great Lakes, established in 1825 and rebuilt in 1829 and 1869.
The lighthouse is located on Lake Huron by the mouth of the St. Clair River and stands 86-feet tall and is made of red brick and painted white. The keeper's house and fog whistle house are painted painted red.
The lighthouse was built just north of the fort.
--Brock-Perry
Fort Gratiot Township
From Wikipedia.
Fort Gratiot Township in St. Clair County, Michigan is named for Fort Gratiot which was located there from 1814-1879.
It was established in 1887 and was named for General Charles Gratiot, the engineer who built the fort. It is next to the city of Port Huron.
Pine Grove Park in Port Huron occupies part of the fort's former site.
--Brock-Perry
Fort Gratiot Township in St. Clair County, Michigan is named for Fort Gratiot which was located there from 1814-1879.
It was established in 1887 and was named for General Charles Gratiot, the engineer who built the fort. It is next to the city of Port Huron.
Pine Grove Park in Port Huron occupies part of the fort's former site.
--Brock-Perry
Monday, July 6, 2015
Fort Gratiot-- Part 2: Built for $3,055.57
Buildings also constructed at the time included barracks for 200 soldiers, officers quarters, a hospital, guard house, powder magazine and storehouse.
Fort Gratiot was completed in five months at the cost of $3,055.57.
At the end of the War of 1812, the troops were sent elsewhere and the fort officially abandoned 30 June 1821. The troops then were sent to Fort Detroit. It was regarrisoned in 1828 during the Winnebago Conflict and rebuilt between 1828 and 1830. A garrison was then present until 1 June 1879 when the Army again abandoned it, this time permanently.
Its present status is that there is one relocated marker and a hospital/officers quarters being restored on the site. These are the only two things indicating its former use.
It is located near the Blue Water International Bridge connecting with Canada.
--Brock-Perry
Fort Gratiot was completed in five months at the cost of $3,055.57.
At the end of the War of 1812, the troops were sent elsewhere and the fort officially abandoned 30 June 1821. The troops then were sent to Fort Detroit. It was regarrisoned in 1828 during the Winnebago Conflict and rebuilt between 1828 and 1830. A garrison was then present until 1 June 1879 when the Army again abandoned it, this time permanently.
Its present status is that there is one relocated marker and a hospital/officers quarters being restored on the site. These are the only two things indicating its former use.
It is located near the Blue Water International Bridge connecting with Canada.
--Brock-Perry
Fort Gratiot-- Part 1: Charles' Fort
Since I am on the subject of Charles Gratiot, not only did he build this fort, but also had it named after him.
From Wikipedia.
1814-1879, U.S. Army fort established by Port Huron, Michigan, near the end of the War of 1812 by Charles C. Gratiot, 2nd U.S. Infantry. Named after its builder. Abandoned 1821-1828. Garrisoned after that until 1879 when it was permanently abandoned.
Constructed near the shore of the St. Clair River at the southern end of Lake Huron. A rectangular fort with bastions at each corner measuring 190-feet-by-290-feet.
The riverside wall was made of vertical log pickets. The other three walls and bastions were earthworks with a wide, shallow ditch in front of each.
Nine cannons were initially placed in the fort, including two 18-pdrs.,, two 12-pdrs. and one howitzer. The biggest cannons were all removed to Fort Malden in October 1814.
--Brock-Perry
From Wikipedia.
1814-1879, U.S. Army fort established by Port Huron, Michigan, near the end of the War of 1812 by Charles C. Gratiot, 2nd U.S. Infantry. Named after its builder. Abandoned 1821-1828. Garrisoned after that until 1879 when it was permanently abandoned.
Constructed near the shore of the St. Clair River at the southern end of Lake Huron. A rectangular fort with bastions at each corner measuring 190-feet-by-290-feet.
The riverside wall was made of vertical log pickets. The other three walls and bastions were earthworks with a wide, shallow ditch in front of each.
Nine cannons were initially placed in the fort, including two 18-pdrs.,, two 12-pdrs. and one howitzer. The biggest cannons were all removed to Fort Malden in October 1814.
--Brock-Perry
Friday, July 3, 2015
Michigan's M-3, Gratiot Highway-- Part 2
Historically, Gratiot Highway was one of 13 main Indian trails in the area. After the fire in 1805, Detroit created a 120-foot right-of-way for each of five main avenues, Gratiot being one of them.
Earlier, Gratiot Highway was called the Detroit-Port Huron Road and was authorized by the U.S. Congress on March 2, 1827, as a supply route between Detroit and Fort Gratiot at Port Huron. Construction in Detroit began in 1829 and was completed that same year to Mount Clemens. The rest was finished in 1833.
The road was named for the fort at Port Huron which was named for Col. Charles Gratiot, its supervising engineer. This fort was built in the aftermath of the War of 1812.
--Brock-Perry
Earlier, Gratiot Highway was called the Detroit-Port Huron Road and was authorized by the U.S. Congress on March 2, 1827, as a supply route between Detroit and Fort Gratiot at Port Huron. Construction in Detroit began in 1829 and was completed that same year to Mount Clemens. The rest was finished in 1833.
The road was named for the fort at Port Huron which was named for Col. Charles Gratiot, its supervising engineer. This fort was built in the aftermath of the War of 1812.
--Brock-Perry
Michigan's M-3, Gratiot Highway-- Part 1
From Wikipedia.
Michigan's M-3 is a north-south trunkline highway running 43 miles long in the Detroit Metro Area. For most of its length, it is known as the Gratiot Highway. It starts in downtown Detroit and runs northward along one of the city's five main avenues. Along the way, it passes several historic landmarks and a historic district.
It is one of the original avenues laid out by Judge Augustus Woodward after the Detroit Fire of 1805. Later, it became a supply road to Fort Gratiot in Port Huron.
It was included in the State Trunkline System of 1913 and was signposted in 1919. After that, it was a part of US-25 before being replaced by I-94 in 1960. It received its M-3 designation in 1973.
--Brock-Perry
Michigan's M-3 is a north-south trunkline highway running 43 miles long in the Detroit Metro Area. For most of its length, it is known as the Gratiot Highway. It starts in downtown Detroit and runs northward along one of the city's five main avenues. Along the way, it passes several historic landmarks and a historic district.
It is one of the original avenues laid out by Judge Augustus Woodward after the Detroit Fire of 1805. Later, it became a supply road to Fort Gratiot in Port Huron.
It was included in the State Trunkline System of 1913 and was signposted in 1919. After that, it was a part of US-25 before being replaced by I-94 in 1960. It received its M-3 designation in 1973.
--Brock-Perry
Friday, June 26, 2015
Charles Chocteau Gratiot-- Part 3
It was Gratiot who assigned Robert E. Lee to engineer the Mississippi River at St. Louis. There had been a shift in the Mississippi River channel there which threatened to wipe out river traffic there. Lee engineered a series of jetties which controlled the flow.
After that, he had a lengthy dispute with the War Department over benefits. President Martin Van Buren dismissed him for failing to repay government funds entrusted to him.
Charles Gratiot died May 18, 1855, and his remains were interred at Section 13 of cavalry Cemetery in St. Louis.
The important Highway M-3 in Michigan, connecting Detroit and Port Huron is commonly called Gratiot Avenue.. Fort Gratiot in Michigan, which guards the mouth of the St. Clair River is named for him as well.
There are also towns named for him in Ohio and Michigan.
I Wonder If He's had a Book Written About Him? --Brock-Perry
After that, he had a lengthy dispute with the War Department over benefits. President Martin Van Buren dismissed him for failing to repay government funds entrusted to him.
Charles Gratiot died May 18, 1855, and his remains were interred at Section 13 of cavalry Cemetery in St. Louis.
The important Highway M-3 in Michigan, connecting Detroit and Port Huron is commonly called Gratiot Avenue.. Fort Gratiot in Michigan, which guards the mouth of the St. Clair River is named for him as well.
There are also towns named for him in Ohio and Michigan.
I Wonder If He's had a Book Written About Him? --Brock-Perry
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Charles Chocteau Gratiot-- Part 2: Builder of Forts
During the War of 1812, Gratiot served as General William Henry Harrison's chief of engineers.and distinguished himself in the construction of Fort Meigs in 1813. He also rebuilt Fort St. Joseph, later named Fort Gratiot in his honor. In 1814, he took part in the attack on Mackinac Island where he received the Thanks of Congress.
From 1817 to 1818, he was chief engineer of the Michigan Territory and superintending engineer 1819-1828 in the building of the defenses of Hampton Roads, Virginia.
On May 24, 1828, he was appointed colonel of engineers and brevetted to brigadier general.For the next ten years, he was chief administrator on river, harbor fortifications and road construction in the United States.
--Brock-Perry
From 1817 to 1818, he was chief engineer of the Michigan Territory and superintending engineer 1819-1828 in the building of the defenses of Hampton Roads, Virginia.
On May 24, 1828, he was appointed colonel of engineers and brevetted to brigadier general.For the next ten years, he was chief administrator on river, harbor fortifications and road construction in the United States.
--Brock-Perry
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