HISTORY
Fort Amanda was
one of a series of forts extending north from Piqua to Fort Meigs
(present day Perrysburg), built by order of General William Henry
Harrison. These forts helped supply the army protecting the
Northwest from British invasion during the war of 1812. Fort
Amanda's construction began in the fall of 1812 under the direction
of Lt. Col. Robert Poague who named it Amanda in honor of his
daughter. The original fort is believed to have measured 160 feet
by 160 feet. Located at the head of navigation of the Auglaize
River, it had a small landing with a boat yard and served as a
supply post and hospital. Soldiers built riverboats or pirogues to
transport soldiers and supplies. Approximately 75 pirogues were
built during the winter of 1812-1813.
Although Fort Amanda saw no fighting during the war, it served
as an important link in this supply line. On December 24, 1814, the
United States and Britain signed the treaty of Ghent, which ended
the war. By early 1815 the fort was abandoned and eventually taken
over by local settlers. In the cemetery near the fort are 75
headstones dedicated to the memor
y of unknown American soldiers of the
war of 1812. Some speculate these mark the graves of soldiers who
were casualties of wounds or disease.
The original fort is no longer standing but a granite monument
was built in 1915 at the site of the original fort. The monument as
well as the cemetery can be viewed during daylight hours. Ft.
Amanda State Memorial is more than an historic site. It is home to
a rich variety of plants and animals. Trails lead through wooded
ravines, down to the river, or out to the monument.
Fort Amanda State Memorial is owned by the Ohio Historical
Society and operated and maintained by the Johnny Appleseed
Metropolitan Park District.
LOCATION
Fort Amanda State Memorial is located in Auglaize County, Logan
Township, southwest of Lima on St. Rt. 198, 1/4 mile south of Ft.
Amanda Road. Fort Amanda Map.pdf
FEATURES
- 11 acres
- Reservable shelter
- 1/2 mile hiking trails
- Water, restroom facilities
- War of 1812 monument
- Large wooded picnic area (tables, grills)
- Fishing access to the Auglaize River
- Horseshoe court
