[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 23, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                             FORT SACKVILLE

 Mr. COATS. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the 
215th anniversary of the capture of Fort Sackville, located on the 
present-day grounds of the George Rogers Clark National Historical 
Park, Vincennes, IN.
  Fort Sackville enjoys a vibrant history that reflects the courage and 
perseverance of America's Revolutionary patriots. Built in 1777 and 
named after a British Government official, Fort Sackville was one of 
several forts built during the frontier settlement of Vincennes. The 
fort was captured from the British during the American Revolution by 
George Rogers Clark and his small force of frontiersmen.
  On February 23, 1779, following an 18-day journey from Kaskaskia 
through the freezing waters of the flooded Illinois country, George 
Rogers Clark and his force of approximately 170 American and French 
frontiersmen arrived in Vincennes to capture Fort Sackville. 
Surrounding the fort, Clark was able to give the impression of having a 
much larger army. In addition, Clark ordered tunneling operations 
around the fort to be used to plant explosive charges, thus convincing 
the British that they were no match for Clark's forces.
  On February 25, 1779, British Lieutenant Governor Henry Hamilton led 
his troops out of Fort Sackville and surrendered the fort to Clark and 
his forces. Although Clark was unable to capture Detroit, his military 
successes prevented the British from driving the Americans from the 
Trans-Appalachian frontier. Thanks to Clark's achievements, the British 
relinquished a large tract of land west of the Appalachians, which 
later became the States of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, 
Wisconsin, and eastern Minnesota.
  On the anniversary of the capture of Fort Sackville, it is important 
to recognize the contribution of George Rogers Clark and his troops to 
the cause of liberty. Their sacrifice and courage in resisting the 
British forces helped to build America's heartland, and I appreciate 
the opportunity to honor these patriots today.

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