The Block House in America

Captain Daniel Cushing, 2nd U.S. Artillery, noted in his diary of 16 February 1813, that the men "placed one twelve pound cannon in the lower blockhouse. Gen. [William Henry] Harrison gave notice this evening that he expected to be attacked every night." Cushing was writing of Fort Meigs, Ohio, which the soldiers had been constructing. During his stint there, Cushing outlasted a siege by the British in early May 1813, which lasted just over a week, and another attempted siege and attack late that July.
Blockhouses could stand alone, or be inside a fortification. At Fort Meigs, they were along the exterior palisades of the fort. Blockhouses were typically made of timber and often had a second story that projected over the first floor, to better defend the area below. The walls had loop holes for troops to fire through. If strong enough, the second floor could hold artillery. Blockhouses proved reliable and were utilized in other conflicts and areas, including the French and Indian War, westward expansion, early Florida conflicts, and the Civil; War.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Carlisle, PA  |  Cumberland County  |  17013  |  Pennsylvania  |  United States of America

General Francis "Swamp Fox" Marion
Smallpox
Lieutenant Colonel William Orlando Darby
Smallpox
Colonel Robert W. Black
Smallpox
Specialist Fourth Class Robert D. Law
The Carlisle Forge
Drummer Jarvis Hanks
Stations Upon the Road

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.