Germanton in Stokes County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Benjamin Forsyth
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 11, 2012
1. Benjamin Forsyth Marker
Erected by NC Archives and Highway Departments. (Marker Number J-12.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 36° 15.71′ N, 80° 13.93′ W. Marker is in Germanton, North Carolina, in Stokes County. Marker is on State Highway 8 & 65, 0.2 miles south of South Friendship Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Germanton NC 27019, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. 1792 Road Between Bethabara and Germanton (approx. 2.4 miles away); Memorial Industrial School (approx. 2½ miles away); “Y” Camps of Salem Chapel Township (approx. 4 miles away); Nazareth Church (approx. 4.2 miles away);
this page online
Also see . . . Wikipedia Entry. “Later in [1813], Forsyth (now a major) and his men took part in the campaign aimed at capturing Montreal, but were not present at the Battle of Crysler’s Farm. Forsyth was promoted to brevet Lieutenant Colonel the following winter. He was active in skirmishing and patrolling north of Lake Champlain in the late spring and summer and was killed in June 1814 in a clash at Odelltown.
“His death made him a hero to the people of North Carolina, who named Forsyth County after him. In addition, the state General Assembly paid for his son’s education through special legislation and gave him a jewelled sword. Forsyth Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side is also named for him.” (Submitted on May 5, 2012.)
Additional commentary.
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 11, 2012
2. Benjamin Forsyth Marker
1. About the Rifle Regiment(s) in the War of 1812
Forsyth was commissioned a lieutenant in the U.S. Regiment of Riflemen when it was formed in 1808. At the start of the War of 1812, he was a Captain and Company Commander.
The pre-eminent historian of the U.S. Army in the War of 1812, John C. Fredriksen, paid this tribute in Green Coats and Glory: The United States Regiment of Riflemen, 1808-1821:
“The Regiment of Riflemen was unquestionably the most effective infantry formation fielded by the United States in the War of 1812. ... Accurate weapons, a soaring esprit de corps and inspired leadership ... all resulted in consistently superior performance.”
A synopsis of their exploits can be gleaned from Fredriksen’s entry for the “Regiment of Riflemen,” “The United States Army: A Chronology, 1775 to the Present, 2010, p. 63.” Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted April 26, 2012, by Russ Grimm of Hampton, Virginia.
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 11, 2012
3. Benjamin Forsyth Marker
Though it is "a few feet north" of the marker, it is unclear whether or not the house behind marker was Forsyth's.
4. Regiment of Riflemen profile - by John C. Fredriksen
Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 821 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 12, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 4. submitted on April 26, 2012, by Russ Grimm of Hampton, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
