Ohio inventions and firsts · First · 1794
Fort Defiance built at the Maumee and Auglaize
General Anthony Wayne's army built Fort Defiance in August 1794 where the Auglaize meets the Maumee. It was the base for the campaign that ended in the Battle of Fallen Timbers on August 20, 1794. The city of Defiance grew up on the site in 1822.
At a glance
- Year
- 1794
- Company
- US Army (Anthony Wayne)
- Place
- Defiance, Defiance County ZIP 43512 · Defiance · Defiance County
Why it matters
Gave the US a strong post in northwest Ohio that helped win the Northwest Indian War; the town takes its name from the fort.
Who gets the credit is disputed
The Ohio claim. Wayne's men built the fort in August 1794 and named it Defiance after a fiery remark about holding it against enemies; Defiance, Ohio, was founded on the spot.
The other claims. The defiant remark is credited to different people: some accounts credit Wayne himself, others credit General Charles Scott of Kentucky. The name is certain; who said it is not.
Sources
Confidence. High: the main facts were confirmed in sources we opened.