Fort Stephenson Defended
On August 2, 1813, Major George Croghan successfully defended Ft. Stephenson from an attack by the British and Indians under Colonel Proctor.
Fort Stephenson, situated on the Sandusky River in Ohio, was under the command of Major George Croghan and garrisoned with 160 regular army troops. General William Harrison deemed the fort superfluous and ordered its abandonment. Major Croghan vehemently opposed the command, asserting that his troops were capable of defending the fort and that withdrawing would render them vulnerable to attack. On July 31st, British ships and troops, under the command of General Proctor, arrived at the fort. They demanded the surrender of the fort, and if it was refused, the British would abandon the defenders to the Indians. Major Croghan refused this ultimatum.
On August 1st, the British commenced a bombardment of the fort. They fired throughout the night, but their assault left no discernible damage to the fort’s walls, which remained unharmed. The following day, the British and their Indian allies launched a ground assault. The Americans waited until the British and Indians were 100 feet away before opening fire, effectively causing the opposing forces to retreat.