DOCSLIB.ORG

War and Legitimacy: the Securement of Sovereignty in the Northwest Indian War

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
War and Legitimacy: the Securement of Sovereignty in the Northwest Indian War i ABSTRACT WAR AND LEGITIMACY: THE SECUREMENT OF SOVEREIGNTY IN THE NORTHWEST INDIAN WAR During the post-revolution period, the newfound constitutional government of the United States faced a crisis of sovereignty and legitimacy. The Old Northwest region, encompassing what is now Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, was disputed between several groups. The U.S. government under George Washington claimed the region and sought to populate the land with white settlers, British officials in North America wished to reestablish British hegemony in the Ohio River valley and Native-Americans wished to protect their ancestral homeland from foreign invasion. In the 1790s, war broke out between a British backed alliance of Native tribes and the United States of America. Historians have named this conflict the Northwest Indian War. Examining government records, personal correspondences between Washington administration officials and military commanders, as well as recollections of soldiers, officials and civilians this thesis explores the geopolitical causes and ramifications of the Northwest Indian War. These sources demonstrate how the war was a reflection of a crisis which threatened the legitimacy to American sovereignty in the West. Furthermore, they also demonstrate how the use of a professional federal standing army was used by Washington’s government to secure American legitimacy. Michael Anthony Lipe August 2019 ii WAR AND LEGITIMACY: THE SECUREMENT OF SOVEREIGNTY IN THE NORTHWEST INDIAN WAR by Michael Anthony Lipe A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History in the College of Social Sciences California State University, Fresno August 2019 APPROVED For the Department of History: We, the undersigned, certify that the thesis of the following student meets the required standards of scholarship, format, and style of the university and the student's graduate degree program for the awarding of the master's degree. Michael Anthony Lipe Thesis Author Bradley Jones (Chair) History Ethan Kytle History Lori Clune History For the University Graduate Committee: Dean, Division of Graduate Studies AUTHORIZATION FOR REPRODUCTION OF MASTER’S THESIS X I grant permission for the reproduction of this thesis in part or in its entirety without further authorization from me, on the condition that the person or agency requesting reproduction absorbs the cost and provides proper acknowledgment of authorship. Permission to reproduce this thesis in part or in its entirety must be obtained from me. Signature of thesis author:_________________________________________________ ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would first like to thank my thesis advisor Dr. Bradley Jones of the History Department at the California State University of Fresno, for his continued support, feedback and patience. Dr. Jones was always there with advice on how to best organize my research and where to begin my search for answers. He has helped me become a better researcher, a better writer and a better historian. In addition, to my committee members Dr. Ethan Kytle and Lori Clune, I thank you for your feedback on my research. I will forever be grateful to you all for all you have done for me throughout my time creating this thesis. I would like to thank the rest of the staff of the History Department at Fresno State, for without them I would not have the understanding and appreciation for historical research, writing and teaching I have today. From my committee members to those whose classes I have been fortunate enough to take, I give my sincere thanks. Finally, I would like to thank my family and friends who have supported me throughout my years of study. I would like to acknowledge Jaime Montana Cook as the second reader of this thesis, and I am forever indebted to her for her comments and criticisms of my writing and research. I would like to thank Leslie Martin for her emotional support during times of stress and anxiety while compiling this thesis. I would like to thank my parents for their continued emotional and financial support throughout my time in university. And last but not least, I would like to dedicate my research to my late sister Anastasia Marie Gonsalves. Throughout her life she always supported me, looked out for me and encouraged me. Without her I would not be the historian I am today. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1 CHAPTER 1: THE CRISIS OF LEGITIMACY ................................................................ 8 The Threat of Pan-Indianism ...................................................................................... 8 Settler Discontent and Federal Authority on the Frontier ......................................... 14 Provocation by British Agents .................................................................................. 19 Chapter Conclusion ................................................................................................... 24 CHAPTER 2: FAILED ATTEMPTS AT LEGITIMATION ........................................... 26 The First Failure of the Militia: Harmar’s Defeat ..................................................... 26 The Second Failure of the Militia: St. Clair’s Defeat ............................................... 32 Chapter Conclusion ................................................................................................... 40 CHAPTER 3: SECURING LEGITIMACY ..................................................................... 42 The Success of a Professional Standing Army ......................................................... 42 The Crisis Resolved .................................................................................................. 46 Chapter Conclusion ................................................................................................... 51 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................. 53 SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................ 63 INTRODUCTION When most Americans recall United States military history, certain events and images come to mind. The minutemen of the Revolution, Union and Confederate soldiers fighting against their fellow countrymen during the Civil War, American soldiers fighting against fascist tyranny and genocide during the Second World War, harsh and unpopular quagmires in Vietnam or the Middle East. What does not often come to mind, however, is a conflict fought within the final decade of the eighteenth-century. A conflict that albeit neglected from the public memory had a monumental impact upon U.S. history: the Northwest Indian War of the 1790s. The Northwest Indian War was a conflict in the Ohio region between an alliance of Native American tribes and the United States. The conflict culminated in three military campaigns undertaken by the U.S. Army, the first two militia-based and the final composed of a federal army. The last of these campaigns resulted in an American victory.1 War and Legitimacy argues that the Northwest Indian War was a reflection of a wider crisis of American sovereignty and legitimacy, and that though the initial attempts to end the war exacerbated this crisis, the final victory through use of a standing army resolved it. This hydra-like crisis bore three heads: the discontent of frontier settlers and the lack of de facto federal authority in the west, British disregard for U.S. territorial claims and interference with U.S.-Native relations, and the threat of a Pan-Indian movement. To counter this crisis, the Washington administration used several methods to legitimize the young federal republic. First the Washington administration prioritized the use of diplomacy in the hopes of avoiding a war, and when this failed used a militia- based army against the Northwest Natives. When both methods ultimately failed to 1 John Grenier, The First Way of War: American War Making on the Frontier, 1607-1814. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2005), 193. 2 resolve the crisis, the administration established a formalized standing army, whose victory secured the legitimacy the crisis had threatened. But first, just what was the Northwest Indian War, and why did it occur? Though the war proper began in 1790, tension between the Native Americans of the Old Northwest region and white settlers had been building for many years. The young republic viewed the Ohio region as a land of opportunity. For the wealthy merchants and the new government, it was a land of resources and strategic importance. Congress under the Articles of Confederation viewed the region as a source of relief, for the sale and granting of land brought in much needed revenue for the indebted government as well as providing a buffer separating the Union from foreign threats. The region also served as one of economic importance for it was not only a fertile land prime for settlement and cultivation, but the Ohio River would allow U.S. merchants and traders access to the Mississippi River.2 The West was also a land of promise to the poor white settlers who sought to make it their home. These Americans moved to the frontier for numerous reasons, from economic to ideological. Many farming settlers traversed over the Appalachian Mountains to find land that was becoming expensive, limited, and infertile in the East; in the hope of being able to provide for their families. They also sought
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Formation of the Corps of Engineers
    Formation of the U.S. Corps of Engineers Father of the Corps of Engineers At age 16 he was engaged by Lord Fairfax as a surveyor’s helper to survey 1.5 million acres of the Northern Neck of Virginia, which extended into the Shenandoah Valley At 17 he began surveying lots in Alexandria for pay, and became surveyor of Culpepper County later that summer. At age 21 he was given a major’s commission and made Adjutant of Southern Virginia. Six months later he led the first of three English expeditions into the Ohio Valley to initially parlay, then fight the French. Few individuals had a better appreciation of the Allegheny Mountains and the general character of all the lands comprising the American Colonies First Engineer Action Battle of Bunker Hill in Boston in 1775 Washington’s First Chief Engineer In 1775 Putnam entered the Continental Army as a lieutenant colonel. He was involved in the organization of the batteries and fortifications in Boston and New York City in 1776 and 1777, serving as Washington’s first chief Engineer. He went on to greater successes commanding a regiment under General Horatio Gates at the Battle of Saratoga in September 1777. He built new fortifications at West Point in 1778 and in 1779 he served under General Anthony Wayne. He was promoted to brigadier general four years later. Rufus Putnam 1738-1824 Chief Engineer 1777 - 1783 Washington pleaded for more engineers, which began arriving from France in 1776. In late 1777 Congress promoted Louis Duportail to brigadier general and Chief Engineer, a position he held for the duration of the war.
    [Show full text]
  • Our Rich History Is Not Forgotten: the Lchs Historical Marker Program
    OUR RICH HISTORY IS NOT FORGOTTEN: THE LCHS HISTORICAL MARKER PROGRAM Logan County has a rich and diverse history that rivals any of the other counties in Ohio. From prehistoric Paleo Indians who hunted the great mastodons that once roamed this area, to the Shawnee, Wyandot and other historic tribes that called it home, to the white settlement of the area, to its heyday as a railroad artery, to its Million Dollar Playground at Indian Lake, to the present, Logan County’s history has been one of immense interest and importance. The Historical Society has preserved and promoted Logan County’s history in many ways. One has been the historical marker program. The Society first began erecting the markers in the 1940s. Many of the early markers recognized the importance of historic Indians in Logan County’s past. Over the next several decades the Society erected many more markers commemorating important people, sites and events that affected Logan County’s history and development. The Society is continuing this practice today with new markers and replacing older ones that have been damaged or lost. The Historical Society is not the only entity that has celebrated the county’s history through markers. Several of the villages in Logan County have erected monuments for certain historical events or people in their past. The county also has a few markers that individuals or organizations have sponsored. These markers, like those of the Society, were erected to commemorate people, events, and sites that helped shape Logan County’s history. ZANE-KENTON MEMORIAL—Route 5 at south edge of Zanesfield.
    [Show full text]
  • In Search of the Indiana Lenape
    IN SEARCH OF THE INDIANA LENAPE: A PREDICTIVE SUMMARY OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACT OF THE LENAPE LIVING ALONG THE WHITE RIVER IN INDIANA FROM 1790 - 1821 A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS BY JESSICA L. YANN DR. RONALD HICKS, CHAIR BALL STATE UNIVERSITY MUNCIE, INDIANA DECEMBER 2009 Table of Contents Figures and Tables ........................................................................................................................ iii Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1 Research Goals ............................................................................................................................ 1 Background .................................................................................................................................. 2 Chapter 2: Theory and Methods ................................................................................................. 6 Explaining Contact and Its Material Remains ............................................................................. 6 Predicting the Intensity of Change and its Effects on Identity................................................... 14 Change and the Lenape .............................................................................................................. 16 Methods ....................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Knox, Henry.Pdf
    U.S. Army Military History Institute Biographies 950 Soldiers Drive Carlisle Barracks, PA 17013-5021 22 Aug 2012 HENRY KNOX A Working Bibliography of MHI Sources Brooks, Noah. Henry Knox, a Soldier of the Revolution; Major-General in the Continental Army, Washington's Chief of Artillery, First Secretary of War under the Constitution, Founder of the Society of the Cincinnati, 1750-1806. NY: Putnam, 1900. 286 p. E207.K74.B8. Browne, Wm L. Ye Cohorn Cavern: The Knox Expedition in the Winter of 1775-76. Schuylerville, NY: NaPaul, 1975. 81 p. E207.K74.B65. Callahan, North. "Henry Knox: American Artillerist." George Washington's Generals. [Edited by George Billias] 1964. 327 p. E206.B5. _____. Henry Knox, General Washington's General. NY: Rinehart, 1958. 404 p. E207.K74.C18. Drake, Francis S. Life and Correspondence of Henry Knox, Major-General in the American Revolutionary Army. Boston: Drake, 1873. 160 p. E207.K74.D7. _____. Memorials of the Society of the Cincinnati of Massachusetts. Boston: Soc, 1873. 565 p. E202.1.M38. Drew, Bernard A. Henry Knox and the Revolutionary War Trail in Western Massachusetts. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2012. 338 p. E230.5.M4.D74. Fell, S.H.P. “Major General Henry Knox.” Field Artillery Journal (Nov/Dec 1933): p. 542. Per. Knopf, Richard C., editor. Anthony Wayne, A Name in Arms:...The Wayne-Knox-Pickering-McHenry Correspondence. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 1975. 566 p. E83.794.W3. Lonergan, Thomas J. Henry Knox: George Washington’s Confidant, General of Artillery, and America’s First Secretary of War. Rockland, ME: Picton, 2003. 231 p.
    [Show full text]
  • 9 the British Alliance of 1812–14
    9 The British Alliance of 1812–14 Chapter Outline This chapter examines the War of 1812 and, in particular, the role that Tecumseh had in this event. By the early 1800s, the intentions of the Americans were clear. The Americans were expanding, and it would be to the west where they would seek land. The War of 1812 can be viewed as a continu- ance of the American War of Independence, as this inconclusive war had left unresolved several im- portant matters, such as those relating to Indigenous Peoples and their lands. In a similar fashion to Obwandiyag, Tecumseh, a part-Shawnee and part-Cree leader, rose to the forefront as an advocate for a pan-Indigenous movement. Like Obwandiyag, Tecumseh was linked to a prophet. Tenskwa- tawa was known as the Shawnee Prophet and happened to be Tecumseh’s brother. Tenskwatawa argued that no particular tribe had the right to give up land as its own. Tecumseh had a particular disdain for Americans as both his father and brother were killed in US frontier wars. He chose to side with the British not because he favoured them but rather because he saw them as the lesser of two evils. Tecumseh challenged the cessions of lands that the Americans were obtaining, particularly those claimed in Indiana Territory. Throughout 1812 to 1813, Tecumseh led Indigenous forces to victory af- ter victory over the Americans. Tecumseh eventually met his demise at Moraviantown where, unsup- ported by British troops that had been promised, he was killed in October 1813. The death of Tecum- seh had immediate impacts since no leader could fill his role as a catalyst for a pan-Indigenous move- ment.
    [Show full text]
  • POINT PLEASANT 1774 Prelude to the American Revolution
    POINT PLEASANT 1774 Prelude to the American Revolution JOHN F WINKLER ILLUSTRATED BY PETER DENNIS © Osprey Publishing • www.ospreypublishing.com CAMPAIGN 273 POINT PLEASANT 1774 Prelude to the American Revolution JOHN F WINKLER ILLUSTRATED BY PETER DENNIS Series editor Marcus Cowper © Osprey Publishing • www.ospreypublishing.com CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 5 The strategic situation The Appalachian frontier The Ohio Indians Lord Dunmore’s Virginia CHRONOLOGY 17 OPPOSING COMMANDERS 20 Virginia commanders Indian commanders OPPOSING ARMIES 25 Virginian forces Indian forces Orders of battle OPPOSING PLANS 34 Virginian plans Indian plans THE CAMPAIGN AND BATTLE 38 From Baker’s trading post to Wakatomica From Wakatomica to Point Pleasant The battle of Point Pleasant From Point Pleasant to Fort Gower THE AFTERMATH 89 THE BATTLEFIELD TODAY 93 FURTHER READING 94 INDEX 95 © Osprey Publishing • www.ospreypublishing.com 4 British North America in1774 British North NEWFOUNDLAND Lake Superior Quebec QUEBEC ISLAND OF NOVA ST JOHN SCOTIA Montreal Fort Michilimackinac Lake St Lawrence River MASSACHUSETTS Huron Lake Lake Ontario NEW Michigan Fort Niagara HAMPSHIRE Fort Detroit Lake Erie NEW YORK Boston MASSACHUSETTS RHODE ISLAND PENNSYLVANIA New York CONNECTICUT Philadelphia Pittsburgh NEW JERSEY MARYLAND Point Pleasant DELAWARE N St Louis Ohio River VANDALIA KENTUCKY Williamsburg LOUISIANA VIRGINIA ATLANTIC OCEAN NORTH CAROLINA Forts Cities and towns SOUTH Mississippi River CAROLINA Battlefields GEORGIA Political boundary Proposed or disputed area boundary
    [Show full text]
  • Harden-In-Ing Famnily Assn. Mem·Bers Descendants of Mark Hardin and Mary Hogue
    HARDEN-IN-ING FAMNILY ASSN. MEM·BERS DESCENDANTS OF MARK HARDIN AND MARY HOGUE F /' y'" .s +- 1> I r a 'j ~ s 0 f- r hQ If- i/ (} 'P8 i(. )/~t oP #F/f (V1.Q.."rrlbQ.rs. D~Q,s Fro~ j"r1 a Y" I< H c1 rd J 'v") <f-. Yn ~ r 'f 1-103 lI' Q..... UP f h. /" (..I ~ib' $f'v a b ~ /,.) f. 2...&7 e;, "I ' w: II d -0 0 f her p;;z Ii ~:> IL a c. A. cL d I.f . 6~m:s~ INDEX OF HFA MEMBERS AND DIRECT LiNEAGES IN 31 KNOWN GROlJP ., NO. IN GROUP PAG.E AG (desc of Asher Garner Hardin b. c 1814 AL) , 12 309(a) B-NC' (" with roots in.Bertie Co., NC mid 1700s) ,10 141 C-SS ( "" " in C'entral-Southside, VA late 1600s-early 1700s)' 70 290 EN (" ofH~rdens roots i"n PA area 1700s) . -:',).-'1J L~~ G-CUL (" of George Hardin b.1755 Culpepper Co., VA) 6 31: G-NC ( "of Harden-ins with roots in Guilford Co., NC mid 1700s) 35 128 ~:ciJHC (" of Hardins on Hif:kory Creek Co. -now Cleveland Co.- NC late 170Qs) '83 1(J4 HIH (" of Hiram Hardin b. 1796 TN) .' 8 330' HS (" of Henry Hardin d. 1783 m. Elizabeth Sealey, Chester Co., NC ) 36 278 IMM ( "ofHHH from known immigrants to the USA) 38 268 J-AL (" of Jacob Hardin b. 1766 NC, lived Pike Co., AL 1850) ~:L ,:1: .~JXVIf/tt.itcItTlCJE (" of John Hardin b.
    [Show full text]
  • THE CORRESPONDENCE of ISAAC CRAIG DURING the WHISKEY REBELLION Edited by Kenneth A
    "SUCH DISORDERS CAN ONLY BE CURED BY COPIOUS BLEEDINGS": THE CORRESPONDENCE OF ISAAC CRAIG DURING THE WHISKEY REBELLION Edited by Kenneth A. White of the surprisingly underutilized sources on the early history Oneof Pittsburgh is the Craig Papers. Acase inpoint is Isaac Craig's correspondence during the Whiskey Rebellion. Although some of his letters from that period have been published, 1 most have not. This omission is particularly curious, because only a few eyewitness ac- counts of the insurrection exist and most ofthose were written from an Antifederalist viewpoint. These letters have a value beyond the narration of events, how- ever. One of the questions debated by historians is why the federal government resorted to force to put down the insurrection. Many have blamed Alexander Hamilton for the action, attributing it to his per- sonal approach to problems or to his desire to strengthen the central government. 2 These critics tend to overlook one fact : government officials make decisions based not only on their personal philosophy but also on the facts available to them. As a federal officer on the scene, Craig provided Washington and his cabinet with their informa- Kenneth White received his B.A. and M.A.degrees from Duquesne Uni- versity. While working on his master's degree he completed internships with the Adams Papers and the Institute of Early American History and Culture. Mr. White is presently working as a fieldarchivist for the Pennsylvania His- torical and Museum Commission's County Records Survey and Planning Study.— Editor 1 Portions of this correspondence have been published. For example, all or parts of six of these letters appeared in Harold C.
    [Show full text]
  • Anthony Wayne M Em 0 R· I a L
    \ I ·I ANTHONY WAYNE M EM 0 R· I A L 'I ' \ THE ANTHONY WAYNE MEMORIAL PARKWAY PROJECT . in OHIO -1 ,,,, J Compiled al tlze Request of the ANTHONY WAYNE MEMO RIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE by lhr O..H. IO STATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL and H ISTORICAL SOCIETY 0 00 60 4016655 2 I• Columbus, Ohio 1944 ' '.'-'TnN ~nd MONTGOMERY COt Jt-rt"-' =J1UC llBR.APV Acknowledgments . .. THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS ass isted lll the compilation of this booklet : The A nthony Wayne Memo ri al J oint L egislative Cammi ttee The Anthony \Vayne Memori al Associati on The! Toledo-Lucas County Planning Commiss ions The Ohio D epa1 rtment of Conservation and Natural Resources The Ohio Department of Highways \ [ 4 J \ Table of Contents I Anthony Wayne Portrait 1794_ ·---···-· ·--· _____ . ----------- ·----------------- -------------------. _____ Cover Anthony Wayne Portrait in the American Revolution ____________________________ F rrm I ispiece Ii I I The Joint Legislative Committee_______ --------····----------------------------------------------------- 7 i· '#" j The Artthony Wayne Memorial Association ___________________________________ .-------------------- 9 I· The Ohio Anthony Wayne Memorial Committee _____________________________________ ---------- 11 I I I Meetings of the Joint Legislative Committee·------·--------- -·---------------------------------- 13 I I "Mad Anthony" Wayne a'dd the Indian \Vars, 1790-179.'---------------------------------- 15 lI The Military Routes of Wa.yne, St. Clair, and Harmar, 1790-179-t- ___________ . _______ 27 I The Anthony Wayne Memorial
    [Show full text]
  • River Raisin National Battlefield Park Lesson Plan Template
    River Raisin National Battlefield Park 3rd to 5th Grade Lesson Plans Unit Title: “It’s Not My Fault”: Engaging Point of View and Historical Perspective through Social Media – The War of 1812 Battles of the River Raisin Overview: This collection of four lessons engage students in learning about the War of 1812. Students will use point of view and historical perspective to make connections to American history and geography in the Old Northwest Territory. Students will learn about the War of 1812 and study personal stories of the Battles of the River Raisin. Students will read and analyze informational texts and explore maps as they organize information. A culminating project will include students making a fake social networking page where personalities from the Battles will interact with one another as the students apply their learning in fun and engaging ways. Topic or Era: War of 1812 and Battles of River Raisin, United States History Standard Era 3, 1754-1820 Curriculum Fit: Social Studies and English Language Arts Grade Level: 3rd to 5th Grade (can be used for lower graded gifted and talented students) Time Required: Four to Eight Class Periods (3 to 6 hours) Lessons: 1. “It’s Not My Fault”: Point of View and Historical Perspective 2. “It’s Not My Fault”: Battle Perspectives 3. “It’s Not My Fault”: Character Analysis and Jigsaw 4. “It’s Not My Fault”: Historical Conversations Using Social Media Lesson One “It’s Not My Fault!”: Point of View and Historical Perspective Overview: This lesson provides students with background information on point of view and perspective.
    [Show full text]
  • Orders of George Washington to General John Sullivan, at Head-Quarters May 31, 1779
    Orders of George Washington to General John Sullivan, at Head-Quarters May 31, 1779 The Expedition you are appointed to command is to be directed against the hostile tribes of the Six Nations of Indians, with their associates and adherents. The immediate objects are the total destruction and devastation of their settlements, and the capture of as many prisoners of every age and sex as possible. It will be essential to ruin their crops now in the ground and prevent their planting more. I would recommend, that some post in the center of the Indian Country, should be occupied with all expedition, with a sufficient quantity of provisions whence parties should be detached to lay waste all the settlements around, with instructions to do it in the most effectual manner, that the country may not be merely overrun, but destroyed. But you will not by any means listen to any overture of peace before the total ruinment of their settlements is effected. Our future security will be in their inability to injure us and in the terror with which the severity of the chastisement they receive will inspire them.[4] The 1779 Sullivan Campaign A Little-Known Offensive Strategic To The War Breaks The Indian Nations' Power by Stanley J. Adamiak The 1779 Sullivan Campaign emerged as one of the larger of the Continental Army's offensives during the American Revolution, yet remains relatively unknown.1 It was an act of reprisal to break the Iroquois Confederation, a Native American political and military alliance that included the Seneca, Cayuga, Mohawk, Onondaga, 0neida, and Tuscarora tribes.
    [Show full text]
  • University of Cincinnati
    U UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI Date: 5/11/2009 I, Marianne R. Ballantyne , hereby submit this original work as part of the requirements for the degree of: Master of Arts in Anthropology It is entitled: Miami Fort: An Ancient Hydraulic Structure Marianne Ballantyne Student Signature: This work and its defense approved by: Committee Chair: Ken Tankersley Vern L. Scarborough Approval of the electronic document: I have reviewed the Thesis/Dissertation in its final electronic format and certify that it is an accurate copy of the document reviewed and approved by the committee. Committee Chair signature: Ken Tankersley Miami Fort: An Ancient Hydraulic Structure A thesis submitted to the Division of Graduate Studies and Research of the University of Cincinnati in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in the Department of Anthropology of the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences 2009 Marianne R. Ballantyne B.A., University of Toledo 2007 Committee: Kenneth B. Tankersley, Chair Vernon L. Scarborough ABSTRACT Miami Fort, located in southwestern Ohio, is a multicomponent hilltop earthwork approximately nine kilometers in length. Detailed geological analyses demonstrate that the earthwork was a complex gravity-fed hydraulic structure, which channeled spring waters and surface runoff to sites where indigenous plants and cultigens were grown in a highly fertile but drought prone loess soil. Drill core sampling, x-ray diffractometry, high-resolution magnetic susceptibility analysis, and radiocarbon dating demonstrate that the earthwork was built after the Holocene Climatic Optimum and before the Medieval Warming Period. The results of this study suggest that these and perhaps other southern Ohio hilltop earthworks are hydraulic structures rather than fortifications.
    [Show full text]