Battle of Fallen Timbers

On the 27th of July in 1794, Wayne's army moved forward in the direction of the Maumee River.  News of Wayne's army traveled ahead of him and many of the tribes deserted their villages before Wayne got in the vicinity.  When Anthony reached the junction of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers, they found only deserted huts and huge fields of corn which replenished their supplies.  They built Fort Defiance and from there sent out a final offer of peace to the hostile tribes. 

Wayne knew the British were still furnishing the Indians all the necessary aid, and wasn't surprised when the chiefs returned evasive answers in response to his peace offer.  He therefore moved his troops to the left bank of the Maumee, preceding downstream to Fort Maumee.  A few days later at Fallen Timbers, they found a tornado had ripped trees and ground up everywhere making a natural barrier.  Just five miles from the British post,  nature had given the Indians the perfect place to make their stand.

On the morning of August 20th, Wayne (who was so crippled by gout that he had to be lifted to his horse) led the assault on Fallen Timbers.  At first the Kentuckians were forced back, but the infantry was able to dislodge the Indians while the cavalry charged the left flank.  The whole battle lasted 45 minutes with only a third of Wayne's men even taking part.  The remaining Indians fled back to the British fort where the Redcoats failed to come to their aid or even open the gates to allow them protection.  Many Indians died right there outside the gates.

The Americans lost 33 men and 100 wounded.  The battle of Fallen Timbers, however, was the most decisive victory yet in the Northwest.  Warfare that had been building for 40 years ended in just 45 minutes. 

Next time...Destination Fort Wayne
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Today in Pioneer History: "On March 21, 1882, "Bronco Billy" Anderson is born in Little Rock, Arkansas. Gilbert M. Anderson, the first western movie star, starred in over 300 short films in the early days of the silent movies.