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History Of Forts In Area Presented At Historical Society Meeting

Historical Society presents a history of area forts.

Staff Report  /  October 6, 2011  /  Views: 287  /   No Comments

Forts in the area

Monday evening Greg Parrott, of Robinson, spoke to the members and guests of the Society, concerning the history of Forts along the Wabash River. Mrs. Parrot joined her husband for the evening and was dressed in "period attire," a dress in the fashion of the early 1800s. She travels with her husband to many re-enactment events and studies and researches the history along with him.

The early settlers gathered to live in groups for safety from the Indian population and a neighborly lifestyle. Fort LaMotte (built in 1809) and Fort Foot plus Fort Handy were in Crawford County; the Blockhouse, Fort Allison, and Joseph Tougas' Fort were all in Lawrence County. The Tougas' Fort was at St. Francisville.

Hand-outs shared by Mr. Parrott included a map of the Fort locations; a letter written in Vincennes on July 21, 1814, to Wm. Russell by Ensign David Gregg at Fort LeMotte regarding the "command of the detachments for duty and discipline"; a copy of a register of the militia at Fort LaMott and Embarras River (Fort Allison) recording the staff and those on sick leave; and Fort LaMotte publications - a reconstructed 1812 fortification located at Palestine.

Greg shared many stories and communications which have been preserved, including the fact that "those days were filled with fear of the Indians and British because of their attacks and massacres or battles. It also was a very sorrowful time because of the loss of family and friends."

"Lawrence County's Fort Allison was a unique fort because it was bi-racial" all free folks living together for their safety.

Fort LaMotte has scheduled events and tours. Greg Parrott may be contacted (618-544-4488) for more information.

The evening concluded with a period of questions and answers and one-on-one visiting.

A CD of all school pictures collected by the society in 2008-09 and the book "Early Schools of Lawrence County" can be purchased at the Museum/Chamber of Commerce office at 12th and State Streets, or at the Black Library, 125 E. Olive in Bridgeport, from 2 - 4 p.m., on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The October Historical Society meeting on October 24, at 7 p.m., is a business meeting. The October Civil War Researchers meeting is Thursday, October 27, at 7 p.m. The November meeting will be held on November 28, with a society officer sharing family genealogy research findings.

The public always is invited and encouraged to attend these program events.

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