Greenville in Bond County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Hill's Fort

Photographed By Jason Voigt

1. Hill's Fort Marker

Inscription. Hill's Fort, a War of 1812-era fort that stood on the western perimeter of the Territory of Illinois, was located six miles southwest of this spot. A reconstruction of the original fort is located here at the Farm Heritage Museum. On September 9, 1814 a battle occurred between 13 Illinois rangers and civilians and a large party of approximately 80 Indians just outside Hill's Fort. John Journey, Robert Lynn, William Grotts, and William Prewitt were killed in this ambush. Thomas Higgins put himself in harm's way in order to save the life of his wounded comrade, William Burgess, thereby gaining notoriety as an Indian fighter. Lydia Pursley grabbed a horse and a gun and rode out to aid Higgins who was injured. Spurred by her action others joined her in her successful rescue of Thomas Higgins. Hill's Fort was constructed around the cabins built by Isaac Hill for his survey party. These improvements were sold to David White in 1811. Bond County was formed in 1817 with Hill's Fort serving as the original county seat.

Erected 2011 by Daughters of the American Revolution (Ninian Edwards Chapter).

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War of 1812

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• Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 9, 1814.

Location. 38° 52.333′ N, 89° 22.515′ W. Marker is in Greenville, Illinois, in Bond County. Marker can be reached from Museum Avenue, 0.6 miles east of Illinois Route 127. Marker is located on the grounds of the American Farm Heritage Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1395 Museum Avenue, Greenville IL 62246, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Defense of Hill's Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Vandalia Railroad Depot (approx. 2.2 miles away); Third Street Jail (approx. 2.4 miles away); State Bank of Hoiles & Sons (approx. 2.4 miles away); Ronald Reagan (approx. 2.4 miles away); Bulkley-Buie Store (approx. 2½ miles away); Bond County Civil War Memorial (approx. 2½ miles away); F. P. Joy & Company (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenville.

Also see . . . Hill's Fort Society. Contains history and information about the Fort, from the federal non-profit historic group's website. (Submitted on September 9, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 9, 2023

2. Hill's Fort Marker

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 9, 2023

3. Hill's Fort Marker

Marker is inside this structure, located on the grounds of the American Farm Heritage Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 96 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 9, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.