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

Taylor Takes Command

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 29, 2023

1. Taylor Takes Command Marker

Inscription.

Captain Zachary Taylor has been placed in command of the garrison near this. To all the qualities which are esteemed for an amicable man, he appears to unite those which form a good officer. In the short time he has been a commander, he has rendered the garrison defensible – before his arrival it resembled anything but a place of defense. – Governor William Henry Harrison to Secretary of War William Eustis, July 16, 1811

Owing to the defenseless state of the garrison and the alarm of the inhabitants of this territory from the appearance of hostilities from the Indians, and there being no Military Agent here, I have thought it proper to appoint Lieutenant J. W. Albright Assistant Military Agent, in order that the garrison may be furnished with the necessary articles for putting it in the best possible state of defense. – Captain Zachary Taylor to Secretary of War William Eustis, July 16, 1811, after succeeding Captain Posey in command of Fort Knox II

Zachary Taylor first showed his ability as a leader in the War of 1812. After his assignment at Fort Knox II, he was placed in command of the recently constructed Fort Harrison, near Terre Haute. He conducted a skillful defense of the fort against a concerted Indian attack in September 1812.

After

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the war, Taylor served in a number of frontier posts. His military career reached its peak as an outstanding general in the Mexican War. As a war hero, Taylor was elected President in 1848.

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 these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War of 1812. A significant historical date for this entry is July 16, 1811.

Location. 38° 43.521′ N, 87° 30.336′ W. Marker is near Vincennes, Indiana, in Knox County. It is in Vincennes Township. Marker 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. Soldiers Buried at Fort Knox II (a few steps from this marker); Harrison Prepares for Battle (a few steps from this marker); An Army Wife at Fort Knox II (a few steps from this marker); Murder (a few steps from this marker); Battle of Tippecanoe (within shouting distance of this marker); Death on the Frontier (within shouting

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 29, 2023

2. Taylor Takes Command Marker

Arrow points to featured marker.

distance of this marker); Desertion (within shouting distance of this marker); Rally to the Flag (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.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 58 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 20, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.