Anne Hupp facts for kids

Anne Rowe Hupp (1757 – June 26, 1823) was a very brave American frontierswoman. She lived in the Buffalo Creek Valley in Washington County, Pennsylvania. In 1782, while she was eight months pregnant, Anne led the defense of a small fort called Miller's Blockhouse. She protected it from a Shawnee attack for over 24 hours. Her courage helped save many lives during a dangerous time in American history.

Who Was Anne Rowe Hupp?

Anne Rowe Hupp was born in 1757. Her father, Adam Rowe, was also a frontier settler. In 1776, his family faced a terrible attack where his wife and one son were killed. Anne was safe at home on Buffalo Creek during that time.

Around 1775, Anne married John Hupp. He was a pioneer in the Buffalo Creek Valley. They had four children together: Mary, Margaret, John Jr., and Elizabeth. After John Hupp passed away, Anne later married John May and had three more children: Benjamin, Ann, and George.

What Was Miller's Blockhouse?

A "blockhouse" was a strong, fortified building. Early settlers like Jacob Miller built them in the 1770s. These blockhouses were important for protection. They kept families safe from attacks during the American Revolutionary War. Miller's Blockhouse was built on 400 acres of land near Buffalo Creek. It served as a safe place for the community.

The Brave Defense of Miller's Blockhouse

The Attack Begins

In April 1782, a group of Shawnee warriors attacked the area. The Shawnee were a Native American tribe. Settlers quickly gathered in forts and blockhouses for safety. Many men from Miller's Blockhouse were away. They were helping to defend another fort nearby called Rice's Fort.

Inside Miller's Blockhouse were John and Anne Hupp with their children. The attackers hid, hoping to surprise the men returning home. One night, a young horse belonging to Jacob Miller Sr. wandered off. Anne had a bad feeling, a dream that warned of danger. But John Hupp and Jacob Miller Sr. went out to find the horse. Sadly, they were attacked and killed by the hidden warriors.

Anne Takes Charge

With only one elderly man, several women, and children left, Anne took control. She was eight months pregnant but showed amazing leadership. She tried to send eleven-year-old Frederick Miller to Rice's Fort for help. But he was attacked and had to run back inside.

Anne kept everyone calm and encouraged the defenders. They worked together to keep the attackers from getting into the blockhouse. They fought bravely and kept the Shawnee at bay.

Help Arrives

Later, three men returned from Rice's Fort. They were Jacob Rowe (Anne's brother), Jacob Miller Jr., and Philip Hupp. Their arrival made the attackers lose hope. The Shawnee stayed in the area until dark, then left. Thanks to Anne's bravery and quick thinking, only John Hupp and Jacob Miller Sr. were lost. The rest of the settlers were safe.

Attacks continued in the area for a few more months in 1782. But Anne Rowe Hupp's defense of Miller's Blockhouse remains a story of incredible courage on the American frontier.