Fort Vause facts for kids
Fort Vause was an important fort built in 1753 in Montgomery County, Virginia. It was also called "Fort Vass" or "Vass' Fort." Ephraim Vause built it near what is now Shawsville, Virginia.
The first Fort Vause was built to protect Ephraim Vause's home. It also offered safety for his neighbors. In 1756, Shawnee warriors attacked the fort. Many people inside were either killed or captured.
A few days before the attack, Mary Draper Ingles felt something bad would happen. She was the wife of William Ingles. Mary asked her husband to leave, and they did just in time. William's younger brothers, John and Matthew Ingles, stayed at the fort. John was known for shooting a scout from a tree. Matthew fought bravely, even with a frying pan handle after his rifle broke. He was captured by the Shawnee. Matthew later escaped or was released, but he died a few months later. His brother John, along with John's wife and children, were all killed during the attack.
Major Andrew Lewis led a group to help. However, they arrived too late. Many settlers had been killed. About 150 people were taken prisoner.
Later in 1756, Captain Peter Hogg quickly rebuilt the fort. It was made of earth and tall wooden fences called palisades. That same year, George Washington visited the fort. He was on a tour to inspect forts in Southwestern Virginia.
Fort Vause Today
Fort Vause is recognized as a National Landmark. Its official file number is #060-0017.
Archaeological Discoveries
The Fort Vause Archaeological Site was set up in 1968. Experts have found parts of both the first and second forts. Today, the site is on land owned by the Hinshelwood family. Sarah and Holly Hinshelwood, who are eighth-graders, live there.
Recreation of the Fort
You can see a recreated version of Fort Vause today. It is located at the Explore Park in Roanoke County, Virginia.
