Fort Antes, Pennsylvania and the Big Runaway
Nestled within the rolling landscapes of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, lies a site steeped in history and imbued with the echoes of a turbulent past: Fort Antes. This fortified homestead, once the residence of Colonel John Henry Antes, a prominent figure in the Pennsylvania Militia, stands as a testament to the challenges faced by early settlers during the American Revolutionary War. More than just a physical structure, Fort Antes represents a pivotal point in the narrative of the "Big Runaway," a mass evacuation triggered by escalating conflicts with Native American tribes allied with the British.
Colonel John Henry Antes was not merely a military leader; he was a cornerstone of the local community. A man of considerable influence, he served as a Justice of the Peace and held the esteemed position of Sheriff on two separate occasions. His arrival in the region around 1772 marked the beginning of a significant chapter in the area’s development. In 1773, he demonstrated his commitment to the burgeoning settlement by constructing a modest home and a vital gristmill strategically positioned at the mouth of Antes Creek. This mill would soon become essential for the sustenance of the community.
As tensions mounted and the threat of Native American hostilities loomed large, Colonel Antes stepped up to defend his neighbors. In January 1775, he was appointed captain of a company of 58 militiamen within the Second Battalion, under the command of Colonel James Potter. Their mission was clear: to safeguard the frontier from impending danger. By May 1777, his dedication and leadership were further recognized with a commission as Lieutenant Colonel of the Fourth Battalion militia.
The precise date of Fort Antes‘s construction remains somewhat shrouded in the mists of time. However, historical accounts suggest that the stockade likely arose during the summer of 1777, a period marked by increased Native American activity along the frontier. The strategic location chosen for the fort, atop a hill overlooking the mill, provided a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. This vantage point allowed for early detection of potential threats and ensured the protection of the vital milling operation.
The construction of Fort Antes adhered to the established standards of frontier fortification. Heavy timbers were vertically embedded in a trench, dug to a depth of four to five feet. These sturdy stockades, rising to a height of ten to twelve feet, were meticulously notched at the top, creating strategic firing positions for the defenders. Historical records suggest that the fort enclosed approximately a quarter of an acre, providing ample space for the garrison and the families seeking refuge within its protective walls.
For several months, a dedicated militia company was stationed at Fort Antes, maintaining a constant vigil against the enemy. Scouting parties were regularly dispatched to maintain communication with neighboring Fort Muncy, ensuring a coordinated defense of the region. The winter of 1777-78 proved particularly challenging, as frequent raids by Native American warriors forced many area settlers to seek shelter within the fort’s confines.
The year 1778 brought intensified conflict to the region, with Loyalist and Native American forces launching a coordinated campaign to destabilize the settlements along the northern and western branches of the Susquehanna River. June 10, 1778, is remembered as a day of immense tragedy, etched in the annals of Lycoming County as its "bloodiest day," marked by three separate attacks on groups of unsuspecting settlers.
Amidst this escalating violence, word reached the settlers of an approaching force of Native American warriors, potentially accompanied by Loyalist and British soldiers, intent on destroying all settlements within the West Branch Susquehanna River valley. Faced with dwindling manpower and limited ammunition, Colonel Samuel Hunter, commander of Fort Augusta, made the difficult decision to order a complete evacuation of the region. This mass exodus would become known as the "Big Runaway."
Colonel Hunter dispatched orders to Colonel Hepburn, commanding Fort Muncy, instructing him to order all troops stationed further upriver to abandon their posts and retreat downstream. However, the communication of this critical order to Colonel Antes proved to be a perilous undertaking. The widespread panic fueled by recent attacks made it difficult to find a messenger willing to brave the dangers of the frontier.
In a display of extraordinary courage and selflessness, Robert Covenhoven, a veteran of the Continental Army who had served under George Washington, and a young millwright employed by Andrew Culbertson, volunteered to undertake the dangerous mission. They crossed the river, ascended Bald Eagle Mountain, and carefully navigated the summit until they reached the gap opposite Fort Antes.
As they cautiously descended towards the fort, the silence of the evening was shattered by the crack of a rifle. A young girl, venturing outside to milk a cow, had been targeted by a Native American warrior lying in ambush. Miraculously, the bullet passed harmlessly through her clothing, and she escaped unscathed. Covenhoven and the millwright delivered the urgent orders, and preparations for the flight were immediately set in motion.
The "Big Runaway" was a scene of utter chaos and desperation. Settlers, many of whom had gathered at the small forts and fortified houses for protection, were now forced to abandon their homes, fields, and livelihoods. Livestock was herded along the chaotic route, and precious few possessions were loaded onto makeshift rafts that floated down the river towards Muncy and ultimately Fort Augusta in present-day Sunbury. Women and children rode on the rafts, while the men walked along the riverbank, providing protection and herding whatever livestock they could salvage.
The majority of the fleeing settlers sought refuge at Fort Augusta, located at the confluence of the North and West Branches of the Susquehanna River. Their abandoned homes and farms were subsequently burned to the ground, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Less than a month after the evacuation, troops were sent back to Fort Muncy to assess the extent of the damage. They found a desolate landscape, with cabins and barns reduced to ashes and crops severely damaged. At Fort Antes, the mill and outbuildings had been razed to the ground, with lingering embers indicating the recent presence of Native American warriors. Remarkably, the fort itself remained standing, a testament to the durability of its stout oaken timbers. The Wallis House was the only other structure to survive the destruction.
The property losses resulting from the "Big Runaway" were estimated at a staggering £40,000, and the human cost was even more profound. Colonel Samuel Hunter, the commander of Fort Augusta, faced harsh criticism for ordering the evacuation. Many believed that with adequate military support, the settlers could have successfully defended their homes and farms.
Despite the devastation, Colonel Henry Antes remained resolute. He and his family joined the throngs of refugees, obeying Colonel Hunter’s orders. However, he was among the first to return to his property, determined to rebuild his life. Soon after the return of peace, he rebuilt his mill, which for years served as the sole source of flour for the settlers in that section of the valley. The old stockade, no longer needed, was allowed to fall into disrepair, eventually becoming a ruin.
In 1782, Colonel Antes was elected sheriff of Northumberland County, further solidifying his position as a respected leader. He died on May 18, 1820, at the age of 83, and was buried in the graveyard near the site of his famous fortification.
Today, the site of Fort Antes is a cultivated field. A historical marker commemorates its significance in the history of Pennsylvania. It is located in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, across the West Branch Susquehanna River from Nippenose Township, serving as a tangible reminder of the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of the early settlers who shaped the landscape of this region.