Chris
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Post by Chris on Apr 22, 2004 8:30:54 GMT -5
What is known about Ft. Edwards, which was on the eastern side of the Mississippi across from the mouth of the Des Moines river? One site says that Ft. Johnson was built earlier very close by, but only lasted for a few years. Fort Edwards was built in 1816, and apparently lasted until 1832.
I was born and raised in that area, and my father's family has been there for a long time, but there are many aspects of the history of the area that I don't know about.
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Post by Greg Carter on Jul 3, 2004 1:38:55 GMT -5
Fort Edwards was located in what is now Warsaw, IL, just down river from Keokuk, Iowa. From the site of the fort you can see three states, and a nice stretch of the Mississippi River.
About two blocks from the "Great River Road" towards the river as you enter town is a huge obelisk dedicated to the site of the fort. It was built by retreating forces during the War of 1812, then fell into disrepair. Apparently it was refurbished in the 1820's, but was again falling apart by 1830. Although it is mentioned several times in various accounts, I do not believe a fort was actually standing at the site in 1832.
GMC
P.S.- The one good restaurant/bar in Warsaw is gone, so if you visit the site plan on eating elsewhere!
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Chris
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Post by Chris on Jul 3, 2004 6:11:20 GMT -5
So you have been to "The Point"? ;D I haven't been back to the area in years. I was always under the impression that the fort was built on that exact location, given the view.
I could imagine a nice restaurant/ B&B in one of the fine old houses in that neighborhood. My dentist had his office in one of those houses.
I just read "The Life of Black Hawk" editor Milo Quaife. He mentions it being built. It is amazing how much they traveled up and down the river.
Reading the book brought up a lot of emotional reactions in me. Need to re-read it several times more to fully digest it.
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Post by Greg Carter on Jul 3, 2004 9:12:06 GMT -5
The fort is also mentioned in Wakefield, once or twice in Whitney and maybe one other source. According to the marker, however, the fort had been disassembled in 1828 to provide timber for a house. As we all know, however, markers can be mistaken from time to time.
Perhaps a closer look might be a good idea.
GMC
P.S.- Those are some nice houses down that way.
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