Fort Recovery in Mercer County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
St. Clair’s Defeat (1791) / Wayne’s Victory (1794)
St. Clair’s Defeat, 1791. Native Americans inhabited and used much of the land in the Ohio valley as hunting grounds. As American settlers pushed west, conflicts resulted and attempts at peaceful settlement failed. Under political pressure, President George Washington resolved to subdue Indian resistance to American expansion in the Ohio country and appointed General Arthur St. Clair to lead the expedition. St. Clair's troops camped on the Wabash River (just east of the Ohio-Indiana state line) after an exhausting two month trek. The ill-prepared soldiers were no match for the forces of Miami, Shawnee, and Delaware Indians who attacked them at dawn of November 4, 1791. By the day's end, warriors led by Little Turtle and Blue Jacket had killed or wounded nearly three-quarters of the American force - the worst-ever defeat of the U.S. Army by Native Americans in a single battle.
Wayne’s Victory, 1794. Following St.Clair's defeat, President Washington appointed General Anthony Wayne commander of the U.S. Army. Well organized and disciplined, Wayne's army left Fort Washington and made its headquarters at Fort Greene Ville. In December 1793, Fort Recovery was built at the site of St. Clair's defeat. On June 30, 1794, combined Native American forces made a frontal attack on the fort. A two-day battle ensued, resulting
in the Native American confederation giving up their assault on Fort Recovery. This U.S. Army victory, as well as the later one at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, led to the signing of the Treaty of Greene Ville in 1795. The treaty opened the Ohio Country for peaceful settlement, leading to Ohio statehood in 1803.Erected 2003 by 2003 by The Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Marietta Chapter NSDAR, Fort Recovery Historical Society, The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 4-54.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1836.
Location. 40° 24.83′ N, 84° 46.808′ W. Marker is in Fort Recovery, Ohio, in Mercer County. Marker is on Fort Site Street south of West Boundary Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker is situated across the street from the Fort Recovery Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Recovery OH 45846, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Background of the Log Home and Original Owners (a few steps from this marker); The Role of Women in the Battle (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to the Fort Recovery Battlefield Walking Tour (a few steps from this marker); Fort Recovery State Historic Site (a few steps from this marker); The Battle of Fallen Timbers and the Treaty of Greeneville (within shouting distance of this marker); The Franke Historical Walkway (within shouting distance of this marker); Prologue to 1791 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of the Wabash (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Recovery.
More about this marker. Apparently this marker was moved ever so slightly from its 2009 location. The building that it was once situated in front of was torn down and the building lot turned into a small public park, with a walkway that connected the downtown business district with the Fort Recovery Historic Site. This marker was then relocated at the west end of this walkway, across the street from the Fort Recovery Museum.
Also see . . .
1. St. Clair's Defeat. This link is published and made available by, "Ohio History Central," an online encyclopedia of Ohio History. (Submitted on June 28, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
2. Battle of the Wabash. (Submitted on June 28, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
3. Anthony Wayne. This link is published and made available by, "Ohio History Central," an online encyclopedia of Ohio History. (Submitted on June 26, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
4. Wayne's Indian Campaign of 1794. This link is published and made available by, "Ohio History Central," an online encyclopedia of Ohio History. (Submitted on June 26, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
5. Fort Recovery. This link is published and made available by, "Ohio History Central," an online encyclopedia of Ohio History. (Submitted on June 26, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
6. Battle of Fallen Timbers. This link is published and made available by, "Ohio History Central," an online encyclopedia of Ohio History. (Submitted on June 26, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,505 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 28, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 2, 3. submitted on June 26, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 19, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.