Picketed Point Stockade facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Picketed Point |
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|---|---|
| Part of the Northwest Territory of the United States | |
| Marietta, Ohio | |
Picketed Point stockade at Marietta, Ohio
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| Site history | |
| Built | 1791 |
| Built by | William Stacy, Ebenezer Sproat |
| Battles/wars | Northwest Indian War |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | Ohio Company of Associates |
Picketed Point Stockade was an important fort built long ago in Marietta, Ohio. It was the last of three strong forts made in that area. Pioneers, who were early settlers, built this fort in 1791. They needed protection during a conflict called the Northwest Indian War.
The fort was built on the east side of the Muskingum River. This spot was where the Muskingum River met the Ohio River. It was also right across the Muskingum River from another fort called Fort Harmar.
Contents
Building the Picketed Point Fort
Colonel William Stacy was in charge of building the fort. He worked under the guidance of Colonel Ebenezer Sproat. The builders used tall, strong wooden poles called "palisades" or "pickets." These poles were set upright in the ground very close together.
How the Fort Was Designed
The pickets stretched from the Muskingum River towards the east. They met another line of pickets coming from the Ohio River towards the north. This created a strong wall that surrounded about four acres of land.
Three special buildings called "block houses" were built right away.
- One block house was on the Muskingum River bank.
- Another was in the northeast corner of the fort.
- The third was on the Ohio River bank.
Near the block houses on the river banks, there were strong gates. These gates were big enough for wagons and teams of animals to pass through. The block houses were built to protect these gates.
Protecting the Fort
The block houses had "sentry boxes" or "turrets" on top. These were small, protected rooms for guards. The sides of these boxes were made of thick wood. This kept the guards safe while they watched for danger.
Later, during the war, a fourth block house was added. Soldiers from the United States Army used this building. They helped guard the fort until they were sent to join General Anthony Wayne's army.
Where Was Picketed Point Located?
Picketed Point was built on a piece of land that sticks out into the river. This exact spot is located here: 39°24′38″N 81°27′15″W / 39.41056°N 81.45417°W. It's important to remember that river banks can change over many years.
Other Important Forts Nearby
Picketed Point was not the only fort in the area. There were two other important forts close by.
Fort Harmar
Fort Harmar was built a few years earlier, in 1785. It was located on the west side of the Muskingum River's mouth. This means it was directly across the river from Picketed Point.
Campus Martius
The other main fort in Marietta was Campus Martius. This fort was located further up the Muskingum River, also on the east side.
Other Forts Built by Settlers
The settlers who formed the Ohio Company of Associates built even more forts. These forts helped protect them during the Northwest Indian War.
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 was for their protection during the war. 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 near the mouth of Wolf Creek. This fort also kept them safe during the conflict. Today, this location is Beverly, Ohio.
