The encounter was brutal and brief, just a minor skirmish in a war that stretched all the way to Europe. There were fifteen minutes of fighting and an Indian victory that proved to be a Pyrrhic one that only delayed them from being exiled further west, opening the Illinois Territory to white settlers. For the whites, it convinced them that Indians could not be allowed to continue living in Illinois.
As soon as the Indians were spotted, Captain Nathan Heald ordered a charge which separated the troops from the wagons carrying the civilians and a small militia group. Indians poured into the gap and surrounded both groups. Hand-to-hand combat ensued with soldiers falling under tomahawk blows and Indians being bayoneted. Within minutes, the Americans were forced to surrender.
The soldiers were shocked by what they saw back at the wagons as they were being led away. According to Lt. Linai Helm, "When we arrived at the bank and looked down on the sand beach I was struck by the horror of men, women, and children lying naked with principally all their heads off."
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.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
The Fort Dearborn Massacre-- Part 1
From the August 12th Chicago Tribune Chicago Flashback page "15 historic minutes" by Ron Grossman.
The soldiers and civilians in Fort Dearborn in those days leading up to yesterday, two hundred years ago, were more than a bit jittery and rightfully so. There had been a recent Indian attack to the west that had sentfrightened settlers seeking the safety of the fort on the banks of the Chicago River by Lake Michigan.
Outside the fort's walls, there was an increasing number of Indians. Then, they had been ordered by the area commander to abandon the fort, which meant going outside. Negotiations with the Indians had gained safe passeage in return for the fort's supplies, but the younger warriors were itching to prove themselves in battle.
John Kinzie, who operated a trading post near the fort, sensedsomething was up and evacuated his family earlier by boat.
Fifty-five soldiers and around 36 cilivilians left the fort and had proceeded just a couple miles south along the Lake Michigan shoreline before hundreds of Potawatomies emerged from behind a sand dune and the fight, roughly fifteen minutes, was on.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
The soldiers and civilians in Fort Dearborn in those days leading up to yesterday, two hundred years ago, were more than a bit jittery and rightfully so. There had been a recent Indian attack to the west that had sentfrightened settlers seeking the safety of the fort on the banks of the Chicago River by Lake Michigan.
Outside the fort's walls, there was an increasing number of Indians. Then, they had been ordered by the area commander to abandon the fort, which meant going outside. Negotiations with the Indians had gained safe passeage in return for the fort's supplies, but the younger warriors were itching to prove themselves in battle.
John Kinzie, who operated a trading post near the fort, sensedsomething was up and evacuated his family earlier by boat.
Fifty-five soldiers and around 36 cilivilians left the fort and had proceeded just a couple miles south along the Lake Michigan shoreline before hundreds of Potawatomies emerged from behind a sand dune and the fight, roughly fifteen minutes, was on.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
The Fort Dearborn Massacre 200 Years Ago Today
On this date, the garrison of Fort Dearborn, in Illinois Territory, located at the mouth of the Chicago River in present-day Chicago, was attcked by Indians who had promised them safe passage out of the fort and to American-held territory.
There is some discussion today as to whether it was a battle or a massacre, but everything I've read about it points to the latter, even though not all of them were killed, just most of them. Women and children also died. Anyone not killed became captive.
The Indians were angered that the Americans had not lived up to their part of the agreement which was to leave all supplies and liqour in the fort. Instead, it was all destroyed. On August 16th, the Indians burned the fort to the ground. Americans later rebuilt it, but tore it down in the 1840s when it was no longer needed.
A Red-Letter Date in Chicago History. --Brock-Perry
There is some discussion today as to whether it was a battle or a massacre, but everything I've read about it points to the latter, even though not all of them were killed, just most of them. Women and children also died. Anyone not killed became captive.
The Indians were angered that the Americans had not lived up to their part of the agreement which was to leave all supplies and liqour in the fort. Instead, it was all destroyed. On August 16th, the Indians burned the fort to the ground. Americans later rebuilt it, but tore it down in the 1840s when it was no longer needed.
A Red-Letter Date in Chicago History. --Brock-Perry
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Decision Day 200 Years Ago at Fort Dearborn
This is Illinois' biggest War of 1812 event.
August 14, 1812, and the garrison and commander at Fort Dearborn, on the site of present day Chicago, had to make a decision as to whether they stayed or left the fort.
They believed they had worked out a deal with the local Indians for safe passage out. Part of this deal was that they leave munitions, supplies and liquor at the fort.
The decision was reached to leave the fort the next day. Unfortunately, it was decided that the agreed on stuff to be left would be destroyed which led to disasterous results.
Brock-Perry
August 14, 1812, and the garrison and commander at Fort Dearborn, on the site of present day Chicago, had to make a decision as to whether they stayed or left the fort.
They believed they had worked out a deal with the local Indians for safe passage out. Part of this deal was that they leave munitions, supplies and liquor at the fort.
The decision was reached to leave the fort the next day. Unfortunately, it was decided that the agreed on stuff to be left would be destroyed which led to disasterous results.
Brock-Perry
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Girl Scouts to the Rescue
From the August 4th Columbus (Ind) Republic "Girl Scouts restore Maine cemetery where Revoluyionary War, War of 1812 veterans are buried." AP
A big congratulations goes out to Girl Scouts Samantha Allshouse and Kayla Theriault who earned the highest honor for the organization with a Gold Star for their restoration project at Grand Trunk Cemetery in Portland's East Deering section.
A kiosk with information about the cemetery and a map of 100 burials was dedicated.
Long neglected, the two girls led a much-needed clean up and rehabilitation of the park.
Crispus Graves served in the Revolutionary War and five veterans of the War of 1812 were buried in unmarked graves between 1818 and 1860.
Way to Go, Girls. --Brock-Perry
A big congratulations goes out to Girl Scouts Samantha Allshouse and Kayla Theriault who earned the highest honor for the organization with a Gold Star for their restoration project at Grand Trunk Cemetery in Portland's East Deering section.
A kiosk with information about the cemetery and a map of 100 burials was dedicated.
Long neglected, the two girls led a much-needed clean up and rehabilitation of the park.
Crispus Graves served in the Revolutionary War and five veterans of the War of 1812 were buried in unmarked graves between 1818 and 1860.
Way to Go, Girls. --Brock-Perry
Friday, August 10, 2012
You Missed It: Privateer Lynx Comes to Martha's Vineyard
From the May 14th Martha's Vineyard Patch by Mathea Morais.
The 1812 bicentennial clipper-schooner Lynx, a 122-feet long, square rigged tipsail schooner came to Martha's Vineyard May 16th and docked at Tisbury Wharf for five days.
The 110 ton ship is an interpretation of what a privateer schooner back in 1812 would have looked like and is fitted out with period ordnance and flies flafs and pennants from the era.
Sorry I Missed It.
GOOD NEWS
The Lynx will be coming back August 24-27. Today, it is in Marblehead, Massachusetts until the 14th. Then Nantucket Aug. 14-23rd. Then, on to Greenport, New York.
A Sailing We Will Go. --Brock-Perry
The 1812 bicentennial clipper-schooner Lynx, a 122-feet long, square rigged tipsail schooner came to Martha's Vineyard May 16th and docked at Tisbury Wharf for five days.
The 110 ton ship is an interpretation of what a privateer schooner back in 1812 would have looked like and is fitted out with period ordnance and flies flafs and pennants from the era.
Sorry I Missed It.
GOOD NEWS
The Lynx will be coming back August 24-27. Today, it is in Marblehead, Massachusetts until the 14th. Then Nantucket Aug. 14-23rd. Then, on to Greenport, New York.
A Sailing We Will Go. --Brock-Perry
Bridge to Nationhood
Tuesday, I wrote about a man trying to get a bridge by Windsor, Canada, named after the men who defended it from Americans in the first battle of the War of 1812. The man succeeded and it is now called the Hancock and Dean 1812 Bridge to Nationhood.
I also came across mention that the action also cost the lives of the first Native Americans and at least one was reportedly scalped. Dean was wounded and captured, only to be released shortly thereafter after the American surrender of Detroit.
The River Canard, which the bridge crossed is also where British General Brock first met Indian Chief Tecumseh.
Just Some More Stuff. --Brock-Perry
I also came across mention that the action also cost the lives of the first Native Americans and at least one was reportedly scalped. Dean was wounded and captured, only to be released shortly thereafter after the American surrender of Detroit.
The River Canard, which the bridge crossed is also where British General Brock first met Indian Chief Tecumseh.
Just Some More Stuff. --Brock-Perry
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The War of 1812 Shaped Wisconsin's Destiny-- Part 2
The British sent a couple soldiers and commissioned a fur trader to raise a militia unit and to enlist Indian allies. By the time the group reached Prairie du Chien, they numbered 600. About 60 US soldiers from the 7th Infantry were stationed at the fort. The British demanded a surrender, the Americans refused and fighting started.
After a two and a half day fairly bloodless battle, the fort surrendered. Nothing is left of the original fort as the British burned it. But the fighting occurred of the grounds of the Villa Louis estate built in 1870. Two years later, Americans returned and built Fort Crawford. The Treaty of Ghent put the Midwest off limits to British fur trading.
The Society of the War of 1812 was founded about twenty years ago and, on Wisconsin, consists of 15 members, all descendants of soldiers and sailors who fought in the conflict. About half live iin the Milwaukee area.
Four military ships are going to visit Milwaukee August 8-14th: Frigate USS DeWert, coastal patrol ship Hurricane, US Coast Guard cutter Neah Bay and the Canadian cutter HMCS Ville de Quebec.
Join the Descendants. --Brock-Perry
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The War of 1812 Shaped Wisconsin's Destiny-- Part 1
From the July 13th Milwaukee (Wi) Journal-Sentinel "Oft-overlooked War of 1812 shaped Wisconsin's destiny" by Mary Jones.
The war marked a turning point in the territory, even though Wisconsin did not become a state for decades. Most of the conflict in the territory revolved around beaver pelts.
This past weekend, there was a re-enactment of the only battle fought in Wisconsin, plus, in August, the US Navy comes to Milwaukee as part of their commemoration of the war's bicentennial.
Prairie du Chein, in southwest Wisconsin is located between the US military post at St. Louis and the American fort on Mackinac Island in Michigan. After the war began, the Great Lakes quickly fell to the British and their Indian allies.
The lucrative fur trade ground to a halt. American soldiers from St. Louis built a fort at Prairie du Chein in 1814.
Mpre to Come. Brock-Perry
The war marked a turning point in the territory, even though Wisconsin did not become a state for decades. Most of the conflict in the territory revolved around beaver pelts.
This past weekend, there was a re-enactment of the only battle fought in Wisconsin, plus, in August, the US Navy comes to Milwaukee as part of their commemoration of the war's bicentennial.
Prairie du Chein, in southwest Wisconsin is located between the US military post at St. Louis and the American fort on Mackinac Island in Michigan. After the war began, the Great Lakes quickly fell to the British and their Indian allies.
The lucrative fur trade ground to a halt. American soldiers from St. Louis built a fort at Prairie du Chein in 1814.
Mpre to Come. Brock-Perry
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Campaign to Name Bridge After the First War of 1812 Skirmish
From the May 14th CBC News.
Tour guide Ron Lapointe wants an Essex County bridge renamed where County Road 20 crosses River Canard, just south of Windsor, Ontario (across from Detroit).
Back in 1812, a 280 man American force faced two British soldiers, James Hancock and John Dean, at the bridge. A plaque at the bridge doesn't mention their names, only that a sentry was there.
It is today called the Skirmish at River Canard and James Hancock became the first one to die in the war. Dean was taken prisoner..
The current bridge is not the actual one where the skirmish took place which was a wooden one. Lapointe hopes to have the new plaque in place by July 16th, the day the fight took place two hundred years ago.
The Canard River Skirmish. --Brock-Perry
Tour guide Ron Lapointe wants an Essex County bridge renamed where County Road 20 crosses River Canard, just south of Windsor, Ontario (across from Detroit).
Back in 1812, a 280 man American force faced two British soldiers, James Hancock and John Dean, at the bridge. A plaque at the bridge doesn't mention their names, only that a sentry was there.
It is today called the Skirmish at River Canard and James Hancock became the first one to die in the war. Dean was taken prisoner..
The current bridge is not the actual one where the skirmish took place which was a wooden one. Lapointe hopes to have the new plaque in place by July 16th, the day the fight took place two hundred years ago.
The Canard River Skirmish. --Brock-Perry
Just Nine Days Before the Bicentennial of the Fort Dearborn Massacre
Without a doubt, this was the biggest story of the War of 1812 out of the Chicago area. The soldiers, women and children were massacred by Pottawatomi warriors on August 15, 1812.
Obviously, I will be covering the event.
200 Years Ago. --Brock-Perry
Obviously, I will be covering the event.
200 Years Ago. --Brock-Perry
Monday, August 6, 2012
National Anthem's Roots Reach to South Dakota
From the August 2nd Rapid City (SD) Journal "Kent: Anthem's roots reach Fort Meade" by Jim Kent.
Most Americans know the story of the Star-Spangled Banner, but mot its connection to Fort Meade many years later.
In 1892, Colonel Caleb Carlton became the fort's commander. He and his wife Sadie had long been saddened by the lack of a United States national song. They wanted something that could be played at the Retreat Ceremony in the evening when the flag is lowered.
They felt Francis Scott Key's "Star-Spangled Banner" would fill the bill and pushed for it, though it did not become the official anthem until 1931 with the help of urging from John Philip Sousa.
"Oh Say Can You See..." --Brock-Perry
Most Americans know the story of the Star-Spangled Banner, but mot its connection to Fort Meade many years later.
In 1892, Colonel Caleb Carlton became the fort's commander. He and his wife Sadie had long been saddened by the lack of a United States national song. They wanted something that could be played at the Retreat Ceremony in the evening when the flag is lowered.
They felt Francis Scott Key's "Star-Spangled Banner" would fill the bill and pushed for it, though it did not become the official anthem until 1931 with the help of urging from John Philip Sousa.
"Oh Say Can You See..." --Brock-Perry
Two Star-Spangled Items You Might Not Know About in Baltimore
You can see Francis Scott Key's original manuscropt with the words to the Star-Spangled Banner at the Maryland Historical Society.
You can also visit the home of Mary Pickersgill who sewed the 15-star, 15 stripe garrison flag made famous in the song.
Now you can see these and other related places with a new combo ticket.
Brock-Perry
You can also visit the home of Mary Pickersgill who sewed the 15-star, 15 stripe garrison flag made famous in the song.
Now you can see these and other related places with a new combo ticket.
Brock-Perry
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Sackets Harbor 1812 Weekend
From the Watertown (NY) Daily Times "Sackets Harbor prepares for War of 1812 weekend" by Gordon Block.
Sackets Harbor played a primary role in the war. This weekend there will be re-enactors at Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site.
Along with them, there will be groundbreaking for a memorial honoring the approximately 50 Crown soldiers killed during the Second Battle of Sackets Harbor.
The 110-foot Canadian brig Fair Jeanne will be there for tours.
Still Remembering. --Brock-Perry
Sackets Harbor played a primary role in the war. This weekend there will be re-enactors at Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site.
Along with them, there will be groundbreaking for a memorial honoring the approximately 50 Crown soldiers killed during the Second Battle of Sackets Harbor.
The 110-foot Canadian brig Fair Jeanne will be there for tours.
Still Remembering. --Brock-Perry
Friday, August 3, 2012
If You're Watching the Olympics on Canadian TV
From the July 31st Market Watch "Bill Mann's Canada: Canadian TV attacks U.S., Brits at Olympics."
And, it has to do with the War of 1812.
Canadians are being reminded by their government that the U.S. may be winning more Olympic medals, but they've already won the war...the War of 1812.
This commercial, done up to look like a movie trailer, would shock any Americans who happen to be watching Canadian TV. Too bad they are not running the spot on U.S. television. Evidently, it is a series of one minute spots.
One starts with the words "200 years ago...the U.S. invaded our territory. But we defended our land." Then, you see Canadian/British troops, Indian Chief tecumseh and Laura Secord rushing through the brush to confront the Americans. "We stood side by side and won the fight for Canada."
I saw it on the internet and must say it is quite impressive. www.1812.gc.ca
Worth a Watch for Another Perspective. --Brock-Perry
And, it has to do with the War of 1812.
Canadians are being reminded by their government that the U.S. may be winning more Olympic medals, but they've already won the war...the War of 1812.
This commercial, done up to look like a movie trailer, would shock any Americans who happen to be watching Canadian TV. Too bad they are not running the spot on U.S. television. Evidently, it is a series of one minute spots.
One starts with the words "200 years ago...the U.S. invaded our territory. But we defended our land." Then, you see Canadian/British troops, Indian Chief tecumseh and Laura Secord rushing through the brush to confront the Americans. "We stood side by side and won the fight for Canada."
I saw it on the internet and must say it is quite impressive. www.1812.gc.ca
Worth a Watch for Another Perspective. --Brock-Perry
Forgotten Man of the "Forgotten War"-- Part 2
Beanes family and townspeople called on prominent Georgetown lawyer Francis Scott Key to free the elderly doctor. He boarded a British ship September 13, 1814, to negotiate Beanes' release. An agreement was reached to release the doctor, but Key was held on the ship during the attack on Fort McHenry.
Beanes died in 1828 and is buried in a non-descript grave on a hill at the corner of Elm Street and Governor Oden Bowie Drive in Upper Marlboro in Maryland.
So, That's How It Got Written. --Brock-Perry
Beanes died in 1828 and is buried in a non-descript grave on a hill at the corner of Elm Street and Governor Oden Bowie Drive in Upper Marlboro in Maryland.
So, That's How It Got Written. --Brock-Perry
Forgotten Man of the "Forgotten War"-- Part 1
From the May 14th Upper Marboro Patch "Dr. William Beanes: Forgotten Man of the "Forgotten War" by Kelsey Miller, CNS.
His capture and release served as the fodder for the National Anthem and Maryland intends to remember him as the state kicked off their bicentennial celebration in June.
The Star-Spangled Sailabration took place June 14-17th and the National Star-Spangled National Historic Trail is set to open. There is also a new book and documentary out about the war.
Francis Scott Key would not have been at Fort McHenry to witness that rocket's red glare had it not been for Dr. William Bennes. The wealthy doctor was living in Upper Marlboro when he detained straggling British soldiers who were looting local farms after burning Washington, DC.
The good doctor had opposed the war and just days earlier had welcomed British soldiers. British General Ross returned to Beanes' place, released the British soldiers and took the doctor prisoner.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
His capture and release served as the fodder for the National Anthem and Maryland intends to remember him as the state kicked off their bicentennial celebration in June.
The Star-Spangled Sailabration took place June 14-17th and the National Star-Spangled National Historic Trail is set to open. There is also a new book and documentary out about the war.
Francis Scott Key would not have been at Fort McHenry to witness that rocket's red glare had it not been for Dr. William Bennes. The wealthy doctor was living in Upper Marlboro when he detained straggling British soldiers who were looting local farms after burning Washington, DC.
The good doctor had opposed the war and just days earlier had welcomed British soldiers. British General Ross returned to Beanes' place, released the British soldiers and took the doctor prisoner.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Kentucky Long Rifleman Honored
Ftom the May 14th Lafourche Parish (La) Daily Comet "Ky. town to honor War of 1812 militia man" by AP.
Greenville Kentucky, located in the western part of the state, is planning to erect a bronze statue of a War of 1812 hero lnown as the "Kentucky Long Rifleman," Ephraim Brank. They have a summer 2013 target date.
Brank served in the militia and was at the Battle of New Orleans. Kentucky claims that the state lost more soldiers in the war than any other state.
The statue will be on a limestone base with expected cost at $100,000. Local and national donations have been received.
Anything to Bring Knowledge of the War to Folks. --Brock-Perry
Greenville Kentucky, located in the western part of the state, is planning to erect a bronze statue of a War of 1812 hero lnown as the "Kentucky Long Rifleman," Ephraim Brank. They have a summer 2013 target date.
Brank served in the militia and was at the Battle of New Orleans. Kentucky claims that the state lost more soldiers in the war than any other state.
The statue will be on a limestone base with expected cost at $100,000. Local and national donations have been received.
Anything to Bring Knowledge of the War to Folks. --Brock-Perry
Paddlers Wanted for Hisorical re-Enactment
From the May 16th Soo Today, Sault Ste. Marie.
On July 17, 1812, 70 canoes, 10 bateaux and one ship, the Caledonia, gathered at Fort St. Joseph and proceeded to the enemy (American) Fort Michilmackinac, which surrendered without a fight. It was the first military maneuver of the War of 1812.
The call is going out for paddlers to recreate the event as a part of the Algoma War of 1812 Bicentennial.
I Imagine It Has Already Taken Place By Now. Brock-Perry
On July 17, 1812, 70 canoes, 10 bateaux and one ship, the Caledonia, gathered at Fort St. Joseph and proceeded to the enemy (American) Fort Michilmackinac, which surrendered without a fight. It was the first military maneuver of the War of 1812.
The call is going out for paddlers to recreate the event as a part of the Algoma War of 1812 Bicentennial.
I Imagine It Has Already Taken Place By Now. Brock-Perry
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Hell's Gate, Vermont
Definitely an interesting name that I came across when writing in my Civil War Navy blog concerning the capture of a blockade-runner at Hell Gate, Georgia. I'd never heard of it so had to do some more research. Turns out, it is a channel near Savannah. Then, I found out the captured runner became a US Navy ship on blockade duty and also towed a monitor to South Carolina. Its first commander went on to become a rear admiral and commanded the monitor USS Saugus at the Battles of Fort Fisher.
Well, anyway, back to this Hell's Gate in Vermont. Turns out it is a name that a Vermont town is called and that it got that name from the War of 1812. I'd never heard of a Georgia, Vermont.
From the Hell's Gate Vineyard site.
Georgia, Vermont was given that during the War of 1812. An embargo on Canadian goods was established. The war was not popular among New Englanders in general. Vermonters began a substantial trade with Canada in spite of the embargo.
The citizens of Georgia, however, chose to support it and created a blockade to stop the illegal trade causing the smugglers to give the town the name "Hell's Gate." That name stuck for many years, even after those who remembered why it came to be were gone.
Today, the town, located in Franklin County and bordering Canada, has a population of 4,375.
Civil War General George J. Stannard was born there and cmmanded Vermont troops. After the war, he served as Doorkeeper to the US House of Representatives.
Stuff You Didn't Know. --Brock-Perry
Well, anyway, back to this Hell's Gate in Vermont. Turns out it is a name that a Vermont town is called and that it got that name from the War of 1812. I'd never heard of a Georgia, Vermont.
From the Hell's Gate Vineyard site.
Georgia, Vermont was given that during the War of 1812. An embargo on Canadian goods was established. The war was not popular among New Englanders in general. Vermonters began a substantial trade with Canada in spite of the embargo.
The citizens of Georgia, however, chose to support it and created a blockade to stop the illegal trade causing the smugglers to give the town the name "Hell's Gate." That name stuck for many years, even after those who remembered why it came to be were gone.
Today, the town, located in Franklin County and bordering Canada, has a population of 4,375.
Civil War General George J. Stannard was born there and cmmanded Vermont troops. After the war, he served as Doorkeeper to the US House of Representatives.
Stuff You Didn't Know. --Brock-Perry
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