Crawford's Defeat

The site of Crawford's Defeat, near Sandusky, Ohio, marks a significant event in the Revolutionary War where Col. William Crawford led a campaign to end Native American raids. On June 4, 1782, British Rangers and allied Native Americans attacked the American militia at Battle Island. Although the militia initially withstood the attack, they retreated the next day, leading to a rout. Col. Crawford was captured, tortured, and killed on June 11. This defeat was a major victory for Native American forces but did not stop the increased settlement of the Ohio territory or quell the ongoing resentment between Native Americans and the American government.

The highly edited account of Col. Crawford's death was used as propaganda against Native Americans for years. Today, the site serves as a reminder of the complex and often brutal history of the American frontier. Visitors can explore the area to gain a deeper understanding of the conflict and its lasting impact on the region. The site highlights the strategic significance of the battle and the broader context of the Revolutionary War in the western territories.