Vincennes Township in Knox County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
An Army Wife at Fort Knox II
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 29, 2023
1. An Army Wife at Fort Knox II Marker
The troops have left Vincennes. It is a sad sight to see them depart, a great many fine young men. A number of volunteers from Ohio and Kentucky, some very young, left their studies at college to go on this campaign. … What a changing scene is my life at present. Here we are at Fort Knox, a stockade or military depot on the Wabash, not a female to associate with, no companion but my husband. I walk sometimes outside the pickets, but –although a soldier's wife – dare not venture far, for I do not like the thought of being scalped by our red brethren. – Mrs. Lydia Bacon to her family, October 8, 1811Mrs. Bacon went with her husband, Lieutenant Josiah Bacon, Fourth Regiment, US Infantry, on the long trip from the East down the Ohio River and up the Wabash, arriving at Vincennes on September 19, 1811. These Regular Army soldiers were sent to aid Governor Harrison's militia and volunteers in their move against the hostile Indians at Tippecanoe.
Army wives who accompanied their husbands had a hard life. Mrs. Bacon was later captured by the British while going with the Fourth Regiment to Detroit at the beginning of the War of 1812.
Erected by Vincennes State Historic Sites, Division of State Museum and Historic Sites, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is September 19, 1811.
Location. 38° 43.51′ 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. Battle of Tippecanoe (a few steps from this marker); Harrison Prepares for Battle (a few steps from this marker); Taylor Takes Command (a few steps from this marker); Death on the Frontier (a few steps from this marker); Soldiers Buried at Fort Knox II (within shouting distance of this marker); Murder (within shouting distance of this marker); Rally to the Flag (within shouting distance of this marker); The End of Fort Knox II (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. An Army Wife at Fort Knox II Marker
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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 62 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 20, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
