Vincennes Township in Knox County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Death on the Frontier
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 29, 2023
1. Death on the Frontier Marker
A number of soldiers have died of their wounds since their return. Funerals often, sometimes two a day. Very solemn is the sight and sound, for the coffins are followed by soldiers, with their arms reversed, marching to the tune of Roslin Castle, beat upon muffled drums. – Mrs. Lydia Bacon, November 30, 1811
Died – At Fort Knox, Lieutenant Benjamin Hill, of the Fourth Regiment, US Infantry – in the death of this gentleman the government have sustained the loss of a good officer, the regiment a valuable member, and his family a tender husband and a kind father. – Vincennes Western Sun, February 22, 1812
Death far from home was the fate of many soldiers on the early frontier. Some deaths were the result of conflict with the Indians, as happened at Tippecanoe. Many soldiers, however, died of illnesses and the hardships of military life. Medical care and sanitation were primitive, and diseases such as typhus, diphtheria, dysentery, malaria, mumps, measles, and even scurvy were prevalent. Further hazards included poor food, drunkenness, and exposure to the elements. Nearby are the unmarked graves of many soldiers who died at the fort.
Erected by Vincennes State Historic Sites, Division of State Museum and Historic
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Forts and Castles. A significant historical date for this entry is February 22, 1812.
Location. 38° 43.502′ N, 87° 30.348′ 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); Rally to the Flag (a few steps from this marker); An Army Wife at Fort Knox II (a few steps from this marker); The End of Fort Knox II (within shouting distance of this marker); Murder (within shouting distance of this marker); Desertion (within shouting distance of this marker); Taylor Takes Command (within shouting distance of this marker); Soldiers Buried at 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. Death on the Frontier Marker
Arrow points to featured 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 68 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 20, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
