Independence in Defiance County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Fort Starvation
Let's Get Historic
Photographed by Craig Doda, October 2, 2022
1. Fort Starvation Marker
This area is thought to be the burial place of more than 300 soldiers who once camped at Fort Winchester, Camp No. 3, also known as Fort Starvation, during the War of 1812. They were led by Brigadier General James Winchester.
Kentucky soldiers marched to war wearing linen clothing in the summer of 1812. No one thought they would end up stuck in snowdrifts in midwinter in the heart of the Black Swamp. The camp became known as "Fort Starvation," as soldier after soldier succumbed to the elements. Many of their bodies were unearthed in the 1840s during the construction of the Miami and Erie Canal. These soldiers were buried once again in Ohio, honored by military rites.
Erected 2022 by Ohio Department Of Natural Resources. (Marker Number 24.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the The Miami & Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 41° 17.522′ N, 84° 15.756′ W. Marker is in Independence, Ohio, in Defiance County. It can be reached from Ohio Route 424 east of Independence Road, on the right when traveling east
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Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Black Swamp and in the Till Plains. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Winchester's Camp No. 3/Fort Starvation / The Old Kentucky Burial Grounds (here, next to this marker); Kentucky & Ohio Soldiers Memorial (here, next to this marker); Eagles Nest (approx. Ό mile away); Ohio Department of Natural Resources 75th Anniversary (approx. half a mile away); Welcome (approx. Ύ mile away); Osage Orange (approx. 0.8 miles away); 70 Vet Survivors of C.C.C. Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); You Are On The Buckeye Trail (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Independence.
Photographed by Craig Doda, October 2, 2022
2. Fort Starvation Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 711 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on January 26, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 3, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
