New Direction

With the New Year, we are starting a new topic...going back to my roots in the Midwest, historically known as the The Old Northwest.  Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Kentucky.  Feel free to offer your comments, but remember that comments are moderated for spam and must be on topic.  So let's get started! Ed. Note

In 1760 the vast country lying south of the Great Lakes, between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers was open for settlement after the English defeated the French.  The area became known as The Old Northwest.  With that said, four regions still remained under French control.

The French still controlled the east bank of the Mississippi River below St.Louis with a cluster of forts, missions, and trading posts that extended from Canada to Louisiana.  Secondly, the French held the Illinois Territory around St. Louis, near modern day Ottawa, Illinois which LaSalle had founded on the summit of "Starved Rock" in 1682.  Thirdly, was the valley of the Wabash where Vincennes had become the seat of the colony in the 18th century.  Lastly, the French controlled the western end of Lake Erie where Detroit, founded by Cadillac in 1701 had stood against the British for the last 50 years.

Troops, under Major Robert Rogers were dispatched to take possession of the lands remaining in French hands.  Rogers was a hero of the northern frontier and lead his band of "rangers" in 15 whaleboats down the St. Lawrence to Detroit.  At the mouth of the Cuyahoga River near present day Cleveland, he met a band of Indian chiefs under their chief Pontiac.

After satisfying the chiefs of the journey's intentions, they were allowed to continue to Detroit.  They arrived in the little town of Detroit where they found the French commander, Beletre.  At the moment, Beletre was interested in making trouble with the Wyandots, and Potawatomi Indians and wasn't concerned with Rogers and his rangers. Beletre's attempt failed, he laid down his arms, left the city in disgrace, and was taken as prisoner down the river.  The French fleur-de-lis was taken down and the English flag was raised. After 50 years, Detroit was in British hands.

The story continues next time...
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Today in Pioneer History: "On January 8, 1877, outnumbered, low on ammunition, and forced to use outdated weapons to defend themselves, Crazy Horse and his warriors fight their final losing battle against the U.S. Cavalry in Montana.