Fort Vallonia Vallonia was a French settlement of the late 18th century and lay between the
Muscatatuck River and the
White River's east fork (aka Driftwood).
Circa 1810, hostilities began between the settlers and
Native Americans. Governor General
William Henry Harrison ordered a fort built as well as a number of other defensive structures including a large stockade, garrison, blockhouses, and a
spring. to be built to protect the some 90 families in the area. Two companies of
Indiana Rangers were stationed here during the
War of 1812.
Huff's Fort and
Ketcham's Fort were two other fortifications, though not as large. Huff's fort was said to be "higher up" than Vallonia and Ketcham's "still above". One of the companies of Indiana Rangers was newly organized, and set out to investigate claims of a Native American war party near
Brownstown. Finding no war party, the company returned to Fort Vallonia, but one ranger, Robert Sturgeon, rode ahead. He was ambushed by Native Americans and killed. The Rangers, in a panic, rode hard back to Fort Vallonia, never stopping to help Sturgeon. Five civilians finally left the fort to recover Sturgeon's body, and buried it near the fort. When Major
John Tipton arrived and learned of the Rangers' conduct, he assumed command of the fort and began routine drills of the two companies stationed at the fort. A later skirmish, known as the
Battle of Tipton's Island, allowed the Rangers to prove their ability to engage Native Americans. Numerous attacks and skirmishes occurred between the Rangers of Fort Vallonia and American Indians during the War of 1812. Attacks in this area of the Indiana Territory diminished after an expedition to destroy the
Miami village at the confluence of the
Wabash River and
Mississinewa River. That expedition left Fort Vallonia on July 1, 1813, led by Colonel
William Russell in command of the Indiana Rangers and Major
Zachary Taylor (future
President of the United States) in command of the
7th Infantry Regiment, as well as a company of Kentucky volunteers. The force destroyed the deserted village, which had been heavily fortified by
Tecumseh, but covered without encountering a single Native American.
Later developments Vallonia was legally
platted in 1853. ==Geography==