The American Revolution on the Frontier

The American Revolution on the Frontier. . , "My name is Clark, and I have come out to see what you brave fellows are doing in Kentucky and to lend you a helping hand, if necessary." , , George Rogers Clark in Harrodsburg, 1776 , At the crossroads of English, French, and Spanish influence, conflict found its way to the frontier. War in the region often meant violent attacks on both American settlements and Native American villages. From Fort Detroit, British Lieutenant Governor Henry Hamilton was accused of turning local tribes on settlers to disrupt the American war effort. A series of attacks in Kentucky in 1777 were so fierce, they were dubbed the "Bloody Sevens" , George Rogers Clark became a central figure in the defense of Kentucky settlements. Commissioned as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Virginia Militia by Governor Patrick Henry, Clark was given secret orders to take the British forts in the West. Clark formed the Illinois Regiment of the Virginia Militia in 1778. After sneaking into Kaskaskia and seizing command of the town, Clark sent troops to Cahokia and Vincennes. Allegiance from the French inhabitants was secured during the summer of 1778, but the British responded by retaking Vincennes later that year. British control of the area, rested on holding the small French community. , Did you know? , The Illinois Regiment was largely comprised of Kentucky militiamen. Farmers and settlers frequently made up the reserve army for this region. Many were experienced with the use of the longrifle. , ( photo caption ) , , George Rogers Clark receives his commission from Patrick Henry. Bas relief located in the George Rogers Clark Memorial.