The Indian Wars

Following the Ordinance of 1787, as American pioneers attempted to settle the area north and west of the Ohio River, Indians in the Ohio Country, aided by the British in Canada, fought valiantly and fiercely for their homes. Breaking this resistance required three American armies. In 1790, the first army under Gen. Josiah Harmar was defeated at the Miami Indian Villages at Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1791, the second under Gov. Arthur St. Clair was ambushed and suffered severe losses on the banks of the Wabash at Fort Recovery, Ohio. In 1794, the third army, the Legion of the United States under Gen. Mad Anthony Wayne, won a decisive victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers on Aug. 20. The defeat of the hostile Indians was made complete after the battle when the gates of Fort Miamis, the stronghold of their British allies, were closed to them and promises of aid were not forthcoming. Beaten in combat and deserted by the British, the Indians signed the Treaty of Greeneville on Aug 3, 1795, placing them under the control of the United States and opening the Northwest Territory in part to peaceful white settlement.

Perrysburg, Ohio · United States