War of 1812 Hero

CROGHAN, George (1791–1849) was a United States Army officer best remembered for his heroism during the War of 1812. Born in Kentucky to a prominent frontier family, he was the nephew of famed explorer and Indian agent George Rogers Clark. Croghan graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1810 and quickly entered active service as tensions with Great Britain escalated along the western frontier. Croghan achieved national recognition in 1813 as a major when he successfully defended Fort Stephenson (present-day Fremont, Ohio) against a much larger British and Native American force. His decisive victory, achieved with a small garrison and a single cannon, became one of the most celebrated American actions of the war and earned him a gold medal from Congress. After the war, Croghan continued his army career, serving in various frontier posts and attaining the rank of colonel. He died in 1849, remembered as one of the notable young heroes produced by the early United States Army. Document Signed “G Croghan Inspt Genl.” June 1835, on portion of pay document for Major Daniel Randall. Inlaid.