Fort Recovery State Museum Newsletter August, 2014

Coming August 17 – Native American, Jeremy Turner At 3:00 on Sunday, August 17, Jeremy Turner will present: The Story of the Delaware Indians, Then and Now! Jeremy has been to Fort Recovery several times, and I can personally attest to his knowledge, interest and enthusiasm. The Delaware’s war chief at the time of the Wabash battles was Buckongahelas. He and Shawnee war chief, Blue Jacket were fast friends. The Delaware’s always answered the Shawnee’s calls for help as the fight against the “white invaders” persisted. This summer we have had presentations on the Shawnee’s and the Ottawa’s, and now we will learn more about the Delaware’s. It will be interesting to compare and contrast the various tribes’ histories and present day activities as the information unfolds. Make plans to attend the event on August 17. You won’t be disappointed. (Thanks to the FR Community Foundation Grant and the Museum Patron donations for making this available at no charge.)

Exciting Times, They are a’Comin! 2016

Commemoration/Celebration Well, it has officially begun - the planning of the commemoration of the quasquibicentennial of the Wabash Battle of 1791 and the celebration of the town of Fort Recovery's 225th birthday! Lots of good ideas were shared at the meeting of interested individuals on July 15. The next meeting will be at the High School Athletic Center at 7:00 on August 26. Hopefully, every Fort Recovery area organization (public or private) will send a representative to this meeting as well as anyone outside of Fort Recovery who has an interest in the military history or in the history of the town itself! Excitement and fun prevail! Bring your unique ideas, or just come and find out what’s going on! Come join the fun!

Historical Murals At the last meeting of the trustees of the FR Historical Society and the Fort Recovery Museum, it was decided to join with Project Recovery and an anonymous donor in the creation of historical murals in town. Few villages in the U.S. have more interesting or historically significant scenes that could be displayed for those living in, or passing through, the town. This will be such an exciting undertaking and one that will last a long time! I, personally, can hardly wait to see how this unfolds. What an attraction this can be!

One of a Kind Auction – Sunday, October 19 – Mark YOUR Calendar! The Auction Committee is busy at work planning an exciting event. A number of interesting items have been donated. If you have anything to donate, just drop it off at the museum or give us a call here at 419-375-4649. Check the museum website www.fortrecoverymuseum.com or the Fort Recovery State Museum Face book page for pictures of those “one of a kind” items!

New Books Available at Museum Gift Shop Simon Girty – Turncoat? Hero? According to Hoffman, Girty “is one of the most mysterious and misunderstood icons of early American history. He was a sharp-witted, rascally, many-tongued frontiersman whose epic adventures span the French and Indian War, Dunmore’s War, the Revolutionary War, the Indian Wars (OURS) and the War of 1812.” Some say he was the most hated man on the frontier. Promoters say Hoffman, through extensive research, was able to peel away the mythic legend that has hidden Girty’s real persona for two and a half centuries. In this book, through Girty’s eyes, “We re-live the ill-fated Squaw Campaign, his rescue of Simon Kenton whom the Shawnees were about to torture and burn; the deadly ambush of Rogers’ Flotilla; the Battle of Sandusky; William Crawford’s trial and death by fire; the conquest of Martin’s and Ruddle’s Stations; the disastrous American defeat at Blue Licks (where Daniel Boone’s son Israel was killed); and the incredible victories over Harmar and St. Clair by a confederation of Western and Northern Tribes. Finally, with Girty and his companions Alex McKee and Matthew Elliott, we witness the climactic defeat of the Indians by “Mad” Anthony Wayne at Fallen Timbers.”

(Many of you probably know St. Marys was at one time called “Girty’s Town!” Girty was a prominent figure on the side of the Native Americans at both battles here! At times, visitors have asked if we carry a book on Simon Girty. We’re happy that now we can say, “Yes.”)

Forgotten Histories –The Battles of the Wabash and Fort Recovery This 8 ½ X 11 soft-back book was produced by Ball State University students (and faculty advisors) as part of a Ball State University Immersive Learning Grant. The 61 page well written, colorful book includes: Chapter 1: Worlds Colliding: The March to War Chapter 2: 1791: The Battle of the Wabash Chapter 3: The Battle of Fort Recovery Chapter 4: The End of an Era Chapter 5: Archaeology: Down in the Dirt Chapter 6: Reconstructions and the Museum at Fort Recovery On all books, patrons receive a 10% discount.

Fort Adams* - Did you know - Fort Adams was the next in the series of Wayne forts to be built after Fort Recovery? Fort Adams was built in August, 1794 (a month after the battle of Fort Recovery)? Fort Adams was built on the banks of the St. Mary’s River, 10 miles north of present day Celina? Fort Adams’ site was significant because now the troops were in the Lake Erie Watershed – so now the army could advance on the Maumee Rapids area (a Native American stronghold) by land OR water? Fort Adams was named by Wayne for Vice President John Adams? Fort Adams was small – walls 24 feet long, 2 blockhouses 18 feet square, commander’s quarters and guard house inside? Fort Adams’ location left much to be desired- humid, low-lying, marshy, easily flooded, full of mosquitoes? Fort Adams is perhaps best known as the place where Wayne was nearly murdered by his second-in- command officer, Wilkinson? Fort Adams saw no decisive action, but it marked the beginning of Wayne’s dependence on water routes? Fort Adams has left no trace behind? *Facts taken from The Forts of Ohio, Gary S. Williams, 2005

And this Follow-up to the Fort Adams Story!!!

Following is an email from Terry Wellman concerning Fort Adams and his scout troops’ adventure – just last fall:

“Last night we finished our "Traveler" Badge by heading up to the Fort Adams Preserve, at U.S. 127 and the St. Mary's River. Knowing that the Fort was approx. 1/4 mile east of the current road, along the river, we used GPS to find the location. We most likely were the first people in over 200 years to perform a flag ceremony at the site. Then, we drew names for characters, and learned about the people and events that took place there. After snacks over a fire, we picked up trash, to help earn our "World Conservation Award". We also used, "Leave no Trace Awareness Award" practices while on the hike.”

And later from Terry:

“Also, following is a website showing the location of the missing marker. It would be on State property, as it is within the easement of U.S. Route 127: www.fortwiki.com/Fort_Adams_(2)

Lastly, for anyone interested, the 41 acre Fort Adams Preserve, is now owned by the Archaeological Conservancy. The Midwest Regional Director is Mr. Paul S. Gardner. Anyone wishing to visit the Preserve would need his permission first. He was wonderful to work with, on getting permission for my Scouts to visit. His contact info is as follows; Paul S. Gardner, Midwest Regional Director The Archaeological Conservancy 3620 N. High St. Suite 307 Columbus, OH 43214 (614) 267-1100”

Thanks to- Steven Littleton for his well attended/received presentation last Sunday; Ken Sowards for facilitating the presentation; Kevin Keller for his support in the effort; and to all who attended. It was another great Sunday for the museum!

New Signs - Note the new wood signs on the log cabins and blockhouses! So helpful! So attractive! Thank you Don Lennartz – a wood worker of great talent, ambition and generosity.

Patrons – Our patron list grows! I will put out a new one later, so no one is unacknowledged. Each and every one is so appreciated! Kudos! nk