Fort St. Clair

Fort St. Clair was a regular and militia troops fort under General James Wilkinson, who built the supply post and defensive fortification in March 1792 in preparation for General “Mad Anthony” Wayne’s campaign against the Indians of the Northwest Territory, following disastrous expeditions in 1790 and 1791.

Built near a “fine spring gushing out of the bank,” the 120-foot square palisade fort had a four-sided bastion at each corner. Future U.S. president William Henry Harrison served in the detachment which built the fort.

On November 6, 1792, Miami Chief Little Turtle and approximately 200 warriors attacked a force of Kentucky militia under Major John Adair camped outside the fort. Six Kentuckians and an unknown number of Native Americans died in the skirmish. The fallen soldiers were buried 50 paces west of the fort, beneath, the “Whispering Oak.”

In 1921, the first Preble County Historical Society (1921-1935) was organized to plan a park at the site of Fort Saint Clair, to reclaim historical lands, and offer a chance to the young people of Preble County to acquaint them with early local history. A monument was erected at the site of the old fort bearing a bronze tablet, commemorating the historic battle on the 130th anniversary on Nov. 6, 1922.

In 1923, the State of Ohio, in cooperation with the Historical Society, established Fort St. Clair State Memorial on 77 acres which included the original site of the fort.

In 1933, 12 additional acres were acquired by the Society and deeded to the state. The additional acreage, on the park’s west side, makes up the nature preserve which is forested by large beech, sugar maple and slippery elm trees with a profusion of wood undergrowth and woodland flowers. The historical area lies to the south.

The major point of historical significance is the site of the fort. To the west of the fort site is a small fenced enclosure, inside which are the graves of the six men who fell in the battle on Nov. 6, 1792. A large white oak tree stands by the graveyard and legend has it that when the wind rustles through the leaves of the tree, one can hear the story of the events that it witnessed. The tree, called “The Whispering Oak,” was designated a Bicentennial Tree by the National Arborists' Association and the International Society of Arboriculture in February 1976.

The recreation area lies in the northern section, separated from the historical area by Garrison Branch creek and a steep bank. Shelters, picnic tables, playground equipment, and restrooms are available in the area. Thinking about reserving a shelter for a family or group event? You'll find more information HERE. 

In 1992, The Ohio Historical Society deeded Fort Saint Clair Park to the City of Eaton and, thus, it is no longer a state memorial. The park is situated on Eaton’s west side at the intersection of Ohio 122 and Camden Road. It is open April 1-October 15, during daylight hours. The cabins can be reserved for use by calling the City of Eaton office at 937-456-4125.

The park includes memorials to other war eras, including a monument to the Civil War, WWII and the Korean War. 

Miss Preble