Betty Zane, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Betty Zane
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 Betty Zane
Location in West Virginia
Betty Zane
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Ohio |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1553877 |
Betty Zane is a small community in Ohio County, West Virginia, United States. It is known as an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's managed by the county. This community is located just east of the village of Clearview. It was named after a brave woman named Betty Zane, who became a hero during the American Revolutionary War.
Who Was Betty Zane?
Betty Zane was a real person, born in 1759. She was part of a family that settled in the Ohio Valley. This area was a frontier during the American Revolutionary War. Life on the frontier was often dangerous. Settlers faced challenges from both British forces and Native American tribes.
The Siege of Fort Henry
Betty Zane is famous for her bravery during the Siege of Fort Henry. This event happened in September 1782. It was one of the last battles of the Revolutionary War. Fort Henry was a small fort near what is now Wheeling, West Virginia. It was built to protect American settlers.
During the siege, British soldiers and Native American warriors attacked the fort. The defenders inside the fort were running out of gunpowder. This was a huge problem because gunpowder was essential for their guns. Without it, they couldn't fight back.
Betty's Brave Act
The commander of the fort knew they needed more gunpowder. There was a supply in a nearby cabin, but it was outside the fort walls. It was very risky to go get it. Someone had to run through enemy fire.
Betty Zane, who was a young woman at the time, volunteered. She bravely ran out of the fort. She went to the cabin, grabbed a tablecloth, and filled it with gunpowder. Then, she ran back to the fort. All this happened while the attackers were shooting at her.
Her quick thinking and courage saved the fort. The defenders were able to keep fighting. This act made her a local legend. It showed incredible bravery in a very dangerous situation.
The Community of Betty Zane
The community of Betty Zane was named in honor of this heroic woman. It's a way to remember her important contribution. Even though it's an unincorporated community, it holds a piece of American history. It reminds people of the courage shown by ordinary individuals during difficult times.
