Campus Martius (Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Campus Martius |
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|---|---|
| Part of the Northwest Territory of the United States | |
| Marietta, Ohio | |
Campus Martius fortification at Marietta, Ohio
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| Site history | |
| Built | 1788-91 |
| Battles/wars | Northwest Indian War |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
Rufus Putnam, Anselm Tupper |
| Occupants | Ohio Company of Associates |
Campus Martius was a strong fort built in the early days of the Marietta, Ohio settlement. It was a safe home for important early American settlers, called pioneers. These pioneers included famous people like Rufus Putnam, Benjamin Tupper, and Arthur St. Clair. They were part of a group called the Ohio Company of Associates.
The fort was very important during the Northwest Indian War. This was a time when settlers and Native American groups had conflicts over land. Major Anselm Tupper was the leader of Campus Martius during this war.
Building the fort started in 1788 and was finished in 1791. It was located on the east side of the Muskingum River. This spot was close to where the Muskingum River flows into the larger Ohio River.
Campus Martius was known for being very well-built and strong. It was shaped like a square. At each corner, there was a special building called a blockhouse. These blockhouses were two stories tall and stuck out a bit from the main walls. They helped protect the fort. The walls connecting the blockhouses were actually made of two-story dwelling houses where the settlers lived. This made the fort very secure.
Today, the Campus Martius Museum stands where the fort once was. Inside the museum, you can even see the Rufus Putnam House, which was part of the original fort! The fort's location was around 39°25′17″N 81°27′40″W / 39.42139°N 81.46111°W.
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Other Forts in Marietta
Besides Campus Martius, there were other important forts near the Marietta settlement.
Picketed Point Stockade
The Picketed Point Stockade was another fort built by the settlers. It was constructed in 1791. This fort was located on the east side of the Muskingum River's mouth, right where it met the Ohio River.
Fort Harmar
Right across the Muskingum River from Picketed Point was Fort Harmar. This fort was built earlier, in 1785, by United States soldiers. It was on the west side of the Muskingum River's mouth.
Forts in the Region
Settlers from the Ohio Company of Associates also built other forts a bit further away from Marietta. These forts helped protect new settlements.
Farmer's Castle
One group of settlers moved about 15 miles down the Ohio River from Marietta. They built a fort called Farmer's Castle. This fort helped protect them during the Indian war. It was built near where the Little Kanawha River joins the Ohio River. Today, this area is known as Belpre, Ohio.
Fort Frye
Another group of settlers traveled about 20 miles up the Muskingum River from Marietta. They built Fort Frye for protection during the war. This fort was located near the mouth of Wolf Creek. Today, this area is known as Beverly, Ohio.
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Picketed Point was a fort built by settlers in Marietta.
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Fort Harmar was built by U.S. soldiers near Marietta.
