Fort Shelby (Wisconsin) facts for kids

A map showing the Upper Mississippi River during the War of 1812. You can see where Fort Shelby was located (number 4).

Fort Shelby was an important military base built by the United States in 1814. It was located in a place called Prairie du Chien, which was part of the Illinois Territory at the time. This fort was named after Isaac Shelby, who was a hero in the American Revolutionary War and the very first governor of Kentucky.

Fort Shelby: A Key Spot in the War of 1812

Fort Shelby played a big role during the War of 1812. This war was fought between the United States and Great Britain, along with their Native American allies. Control over important waterways like the Mississippi River was very important during this time.

Why Fort Shelby Was Built

The United States built Fort Shelby to protect its interests in the Upper Mississippi River area. It was a strategic spot for trade and military movements. The fort helped the U.S. keep an eye on the region and protect its citizens.

The Siege of Prairie du Chien

In July 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces attacked Fort Shelby. This event is known as the Siege of Prairie du Chien. A "siege" is when an army surrounds a fort or city and tries to capture it. The British forces were led by Major William McKay.

Fort Shelby is Captured

After a tough fight, the British managed to capture Fort Shelby from the American soldiers. This was a significant victory for the British in the region.

Fort McKay: A New Name

Once the British took control of the fort, they decided to rename it. They called it Fort McKay in honor of their commander, Major William McKay. Fort McKay stayed under British control for about a year.

The End of Fort McKay

The War of 1812 officially ended in 1815. Before the British left the area, they destroyed Fort McKay. They did this so the Americans couldn't use it again.

Fort Crawford: A New Beginning

Even though Fort Shelby (or Fort McKay) was destroyed, the location was still very important. In 1816, the United States built a new fort on the exact same spot. This new fort was named Fort Crawford. It continued to serve as an important military post for many years.