Boone’s Fort, Pennsylvania – Legends of America
Nestled near the confluence of the Muddy Run River and the Susquehanna’s West Branch, close to present-day Milton, Pennsylvania, lies the historical site of Boone’s Fort. This wasn’t just a military fortification; it was originally a grist mill, a vital piece of infrastructure transformed into a stronghold during the tumultuous years of the American Revolution.
A Mill Turned Fortress: The Genesis of Boone’s Fort
The mill was the domain of Captain Hawkins Boone, a man believed to be a cousin of the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone. As tensions escalated in 1777, the residents of the Susquehanna River Valley recognized the urgent need for defense. Captain Hawkins Boone, along with Captains John Brady and Samuel Daugherty, were called upon to lead the charge.
These three men, recently discharged from the 12th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line, answered the call. With the assistance of local neighbors and other troops, Captain Boone fortified his mill, turning it into a stockaded fort. This transformation was a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the early American settlers, who repurposed everyday structures into defensive bastions.
A Frontier Under Siege: The Perilous Landscape
The area surrounding Boone’s Fort was a hotbed of conflict during the Revolutionary War. Situated on the fringes of colonial settlement, it was vulnerable to attacks from multiple fronts. British forces, American loyalists (often referred to as Tories), and Native American tribes allied with the British Crown all posed a constant threat. Beyond this frontier outpost, there was no established colonial government and little to no protection, making the lives of settlers precarious.
Despite the inherent dangers, the region was dotted with several smaller forts, each serving as a refuge for settlers and a point of resistance against the encroaching threats. Among these was Fort Freeland, a name that would soon be etched in the annals of frontier history.
The Tragedy at Fort Freeland: A Prelude to Loss
In the late spring of 1779, the shadow of war loomed large over the Susquehanna Valley. Faced with relentless attacks by British forces and their allies, numerous colonial families abandoned their isolated homesteads and sought sanctuary within the walls of Fort Freeland. Although rumors of an impending assault circulated, the colonists were woefully unprepared for the scale and intensity of what was to come.
On the fateful morning of July 28, 1779, a force of over 300 British soldiers and their supporters descended upon Fort Freeland. With most of the able-bodied men away fighting in the Continental Army, the fort’s defense fell to a meager garrison of just 21 boys and elderly men. Recognizing the futility of resistance, the colonists reluctantly negotiated a surrender, a decision born of desperation and the overwhelming odds they faced.
A Desperate Relief and a Devastating Blow
News of the attack on Fort Freeland reached Captains Hawkins Boone, John Brady, and Samuel Daugherty at Boone’s Fort. Without hesitation, they assembled a relief party and rushed to the aid of their beleaguered neighbors, unaware that Fort Freeland had already fallen.
The ensuing engagement was one of the bloodiest and most pivotal of the American Revolution in that region. The fall of Fort Freeland left the American frontier virtually defenseless, exposing settlements to further attacks and devastation. Tragically, all three captains – Boone, Brady, and Daugherty – perished in the battle, their sacrifice a testament to their courage and commitment to the cause of liberty.
The Legacy of Boone’s Fort: Remembrance and Reconstruction
The death of Captain Hawkins Boone on July 29, 1779, was a profound loss for the community he served. He was respected and admired for his leadership, his ability, and his unwavering dedication to the well-being of his fellow settlers. In the wake of the Battle of Fort Freeland, the region was plunged into a state of terror as Native American raids continued unabated. Most of the remaining settlers fled their homes, seeking refuge elsewhere, and did not return until the end of the war.
In later years, a new mill, known as the Kemmerer Mill, was constructed on the same site as Boone’s Mill. Situated approximately midway between the towns of Milton and Watsontown, it served as a reminder of the region’s agricultural past and the resilience of its people.
Enduring Significance
Boone’s Fort, though no longer standing, remains a significant landmark in Pennsylvania’s history. It symbolizes the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the early American settlers who faced unimaginable hardships in their pursuit of freedom and a better life. The story of Boone’s Fort serves as a reminder of the pivotal role that Pennsylvania played in the American Revolution and the enduring legacy of those who fought to secure the nation’s independence.
See Also:
- American Forts Photo Gallery
- Forts & Presidios Across America
- Pennsylvania Forts
- Pennsylvania Main Page