TERRE HAUTE —
At 6 a.m. on Sept. 5, 1812, the imposing Native American war party had failed to overcome the small force defending Fort Harrison.
A formidable picket row bridged the gap where a blockhouse once stood. Pakoisheecan’s plan had failed. The Indians, suffering substantial casualties, began to withdrew.
Only three occupants of the fort were reported killed. Some Winnebagoes reportedly returned to their village on Wildcat Creek, a major tributary of the Wabash.
But the confrontation was not over. Though disappointed, the Indians concluded that they could force the occupants into submission by starvation.
Before retreating, the marauders killed horses and hogs on the grounds and released oxen and cattle. The sole supply remaining was green corn, stored in a stable.
The Indians’ new goal was to prevent anyone from leaving the fort to seek assistance. Raiding parties were encamped to discourage access to the river or a crude land trail to Vincennes.
Help was desperately needed. Capt. Zachary Taylor waited five days before dispatching two scouts to Fort Knox, the closest outpost, for assistance. But the men returned promptly. The Indians were prepared to ambush any effort. A fire on the river bank exposed most clandestine tactics.
On Sept. 13, Taylor sent Peter Mallory, an experienced scout, and another man to Fort Knox with instructions to avoid the river and roads. When the men did not return for two days, Taylor was uncertain whether they were en route for help or dead.
Meanwhile, unknown to Capt. Taylor, on Sept. 12 a few Weas approached Fort Knox, near Vincennes, to report that Fort Harrison had been attacked a week earlier and was still under siege by more than 300 Indians.
Col. William Russell quickly assembled 1,200 infantrymen and headed north. John Dickson and Isaac Lambert, residents of Fort Harrison, told Russell that the fort’s supplies were minimal, particularly if the Indians had stolen or slaughtered animals.
Dickson and Lambert, who were at Fort Knox securing supplies at the time of the attack, were the fort’s contractors and brothers-in-law.
A few hours after Col. Russell’s army left Fort Knox, Lt. Thomas H. Richardson ordered a 13-man supply unit commanded by Lt. Nathan Fairbanks to tow a wagonload of meat and flour to Fort Harrison. Four draft horses pulled the wagons steered by civilian John Black.
Following a well-known trace through the northwestern edge of present Sullivan County, Lt. Fairbanks’ brigade was ambushed by a Potawatomi war party at “The Narrows,” a ravine near a tributary of Prairie Creek. On April 11, five members of the Isaac Hutson family had been massacred on the Lamotte prairie west of the ambush site.
At the first gunshot, the company’s horses became runaways. With Indians in pursuit, Black abandoned his wagon and hid among vine-covered logs. From that vantage point, he watched the assailants kill nine soldiers, leaving only Fairbanks and two privates — Edward Perdue and John Ingram — to fend off about 70 Indians.
Lt. Fairbanks eventually fell, mortally wounded. Ingram, who had been sentenced to death for horse stealing in 1809, was captured and mutilated. With four bullet holes in his body, Pvt. Perdue raced for cover. One Indian followed him for about a mile before giving up the chase. Perdue limped back to Fort Knox to get medical attention.
Black covered himself with mud and returned to Vincennes along the river bank. He later sued Richardson for his losses.
Unaware of Fairbanks’ fate, a company under Lt. Richardson departed Fort Knox Sept. 14 with two more supply wagons. Seven soldiers were killed in a similar ambush.
By the time Peter Mallory reached Fort Knox, Col. Russell had departed. When Russell and his troops reached Fort Harrison on Sept. 16, the occupants had not eaten for two days and were too weak to celebrate. A handful of green corn remained.
Capt. Taylor’s report to Gen. Harrison, his commander, written hastily on Sept. 10, did not include much detail. He summarized the battle in nine words: “Never did men act with more firmness and desperation.”
Taylor’s report was published in newspapers in the east coast. Acting Indiana Territorial Gov. John Gibson spoke for thousands when he wrote:
“The brave defense of Capt. Taylor at Fort Harrison is one bright ray amid the gloom of incompetency which had been shown in so many places.”
The siege catapulted Taylor into a national spotlight. He was brevetted major and feted by Congress on May 14, 1814. It was the first fame for “Old Rough and Ready.”
Paired with his subsequent successes in the Blackhawk War and at Buena Vista during the Mexican War, Taylor’s courageous leadership at Fort Harrison resulted in his election as the twelfth President of the U.S. in 1848.
Because it was built under the direction of William Henry Harrison, ninth president of the U.S., Fort Harrison became known as “The Fort of Two Presidents.”
Unfortunately, the names of many of the occupants of the fort at the time of the battle, and those associated with the 12-day siege, are unknown.
The youthful Doyle brothers were buried within the confines of the fort and later re-interred “about one-half mile south of the fort.” Three others — probably including Joseph Dickson and his son — were buried nearly two miles northwest of the fort.
Josey Cowen, whose brother was killed, died from wounds incurred during his effort to escape.
John Dickson and Isaac Lambert built Lambert and Dickson mill on Honey Creek in 1816. Isaac was a member of the first Vigo County Board of Commissioners. John’s daughter Rebecca married Quaker William Durham and lived in southern Vigo County.
Eight-year-old Matilda Anderson, who lived in the fort, later married William Taylor. Their daughter Caroline married pioneer Terre Haute undertaker Isaac Ball. Matilda befriended Pakoisheecan, the Kickapoo who set fire to the fort’s blockhouse.
Mallory, Dr. William A. Clark, Dr. Thomas Bradford and Mary Briggs — other fort residents during early September — also became Vigo County residents.
Continued next week
History
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: The Siege at Fort Harrison in 1812 (Part III)
- History
-
-
Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
-
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
-
GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
-
LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
-
Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
-
Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
-
Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
-
The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
-
Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
-
Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
-
‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
-
1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
-
Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
-
‘Far-sound’ rings in a new era
This week’s Historic Treasure is an invention that changed life, as we know it in a great way, the telephone.
-
Historical perspective: Venard: soldier in the War of 1812
His name was Stephen Venard. For more than 50 years he resided in Terre Haute, without fanfare, with his wife and a daughter. Much of that time was spent in the 400 block on N. First St.
-
Looking Back: 2003: Mark Cook brings blues home
Mark Cook returned to Terre Haute to play with fellow musicians in the Cook-N-Blues group at Brazil and Terre Haute.
-
Historical perspective: Attempted carriage-jacking thwarted
Nineteenth century newspapers covered several topics that might astonish current readers. For example, the front page of the Terre Haute Weekly Gazette on Nov. 16, 1878 – 135 years ago – reported on the bold attempt by four “villains” to rob two women riding in a carriage immediately west of the fairgrounds at Brown and Wabash avenues:
-
Genealogy: Dutchman seeks family of missing soldier
Query: I live in the Netherlands and recently I have adopted the name of American PFC Joseph P. Nelson at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. He was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944, and his name is on the Walls of the Missing.
-
Sewing Society keeps hospital in linen, supplies
When Tracy Pruitt came across a small box of old ledgers and receipt books recently, his first impulse was to throw it away. But he decided to sit down and examine its contents. In doing so, he discovered a story.
-
Looking Back: 1963: Officials prepare for disaster
City officials were studying survival plans in case of a natural disaster or attack by an enemy source. Gilbert Leonard was the director of Vigo County Defense.
-
Genealogy: Gold Star Honor Roll: Vigo County
This week continues with the Gold Star Honor Roll (those who died in WW I) from the Wabash Valley. The Vigo County list is long and will be run in three parts.
-
River boat models capture glory of former culture
In the River portion of the latest exhibit at the Vigo County Historical Society museum are two models of river paddle boats created by Alfred F. Nehf.
-
Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
-
Historical Perspective: Terre Haute’s architectural heritage
Much more than is commonly recognized, Terre Haute has a rich and diverse legacy of landscapes designed by some of the nation’s most talented architects.
-
Genealogy: A search for names from broken stones
This week there is a query about an old cemetery in Parke County, that is believed to have been destroyed:
-
Hidden treasures: Laborers phased out by machines
Today’s historical treasure will intone to many people an early experience of practical labor. For others, this artifact might lack a contextual notion.
-
Looking back: 2003: Two men rob Terre Haute First National Bank
Two men robbed Terre Haute First National Bank’s banking center at Southland Plaza, South Seventh Street and Margaret Avenue. It was the first bank robbery in Terre Haute since November 2000.
-
Interurban makes city Crossroads of America
Electric transportation is not a new technology. With the arrival of the electric car we are reminded that electric technology has a long history in Terre Haute.
-
The tale of the Wabash River
On March 14, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser, as Indiana’s state song.
- More History Headlines
-
Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads




