Vincennes Township in Knox County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Desertion

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 29, 2023

1. Desertion Marker

Inscription.

Twenty Dollars Reward
Deserted from the garrison of Fort Knox, Indiana Territory, on the 12th instant:
John Rierly a private soldier in Captain Thornton Posey's company, Seventh Regiment, United States Infantry. He is about 5 feet 10 inches high, sandy hair, fair complexion, hazel eyes, straight and well made, about 22 years of age. He was born in Hartford County, Maryland, and is by occupation a blacksmith. — Vincennes, The Western Sun, June 17, 1811

Soldiers at frontier forts had a harsh life and desertions were common. Besides the danger from Indians, they had to work long hours, often at hard labor, with little pay, poor food, and bad living conditions at isolated posts. Much time was spent on patrol and escort duty. This was often a welcome change from the daily routine at the fort.

Erected by Vincennes State Historic Sites, Division of State Museum and Historic Sites, Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical date for this entry is June 17, 1811.

Location. 38° 43.513′ N, 87° 30.365′ W. Marker is near Vincennes, Indiana, in Knox County. It is in Vincennes Township. Marker

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can be reached from North Old Fort Knox Road, 0.1 miles south of Lower Fort Knox Road, on the left when traveling south. Marker is in Fort Knox II-Vincennes State Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3090 N Old Fort Knox Rd, Vincennes IN 47591, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The End of Fort Knox II (a few steps from this marker); Tecumseh at Fort Knox II and Vincennes (a few steps from this marker); Rally to the Flag (a few steps from this marker); Murder (a few steps from this marker); A New Fort is Built (within shouting distance of this marker); Death on the Frontier (within shouting distance of this marker); Soldiers Buried at Fort Knox II (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Tippecanoe (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vincennes.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 29, 2023

2. Desertion Marker

Featured marker is in the center.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 19, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.