The Fort McIntosh Chapter of Daughters of American Revolution, observed Flag Day, June 14, 1915, on Gen. Anthony Wayne’s site, Legionville, for the first time in years- being 123 years since, Gen. Anthony Wayne’s Encampment, Old Glory was raised on this historic spot.

Mrs. Samuel LeRoy, Regent, presided, and after the flag had been raised, Miss Louise Woodbridge Dippold, of Sewickley, read a paper upon the encampment of General Wayne, which was an interesting and instructive sketch of the old fortress. Mrs. Lillian M. Haun, of Rochester, recited the "The Unknown Dead." Mr. C.J. MacDonald of Baden, gave a brief outline of the old fort and outposts and supplied his auditors with many interesting stories of the pioneer settlers. During the raising of the flag the members sang the Star Spangled Banner. Under the guidance of Mr. J.P. Leaf of Rochester and Mr. C.I. MacDonald, an inspection was made around the interesting out posts and rifle and cannon pits which were well preserved and outlined.

The members and guests sat down at long tables arranged upon the lawn of Mr. and Mrs. H.C. McChestney, of Logan Station, finishing the meeting with merry speeches and historical stories of the old fort and pioneer days. Another meeting will be called in September, when the Chapter will finish the work of marking all spots of historical interest there and erect a monument in memory of Anthony Wayne’s Encampment. The above is from the Beaver Times of June 15th, and below is given the paper which Miss Dippold read at the meeting and which at this time is most seasonable.

"General George Washington selected General Anthony Wayne, a distinguished officer of the Revolutionary Army to succeed St. Clair. General Wayne immediately proceeded westward, arriving at Pittsburgh the 14th day of June, 1792, or 123 years ago to-day. During that month Logstown and Legionville were occupied, the troops gathering for the great campaign against the hostile Indians. Legionville, named after the Legion of the United States, was divided into four sub-legions provided with Legionary officers. While Wayne’s army was being collected and drilled the peace message of the United States was pressed with great perseverance. Legionville was selected by Anthony Wayne for the training and drilling of his men, preparing them for the campaign against the redman, which was so successfully carried out, his bold, daring discipline ably preparing his men for their work.

The troops remained all winter until April 30, 1793, and drilled day after day across the creek to the eastward, that ground being cut of timber and underbrush and made the drill ground. Upon this field along the old State Road can be seen the upper outposts and upon a point on the bank can be seen a solitary mound with two trees growing upon it, marking the resting places of two officers of Wayne’s army who passed away during the cold winter upon the flats of Legionville. While Anthony Wayne camped here he interviewed several Indian chiefs, but the most notable of his guests was General George Washington.

 

What better place can we find in Western Pennsylvania than this spot so rich in history, marking the place with a memorable tablet, our flag- the stars and stripes forever- which was raised by the descendants of the pioneers of this historic Valley, The D.A.R., of Fort McIntosh. On March 12th, 1734- from evidence sent out, stated that Venango and Logstown, the French Forts, were built in the province of Pennsylvania. George Washington called upon Gist who had built a log cabin upon this ground after the treaty with the Indians, November 9, 1772. A detachment of troops and officers with all the necessary tools for building, left Pittsburgh for winter quarters at Legionville, October, 1792.

 

It is not known how many buildings were erected, but one stood many years afterward- until the sixties, and the old stone chimney was there a few years ago. All that can be found today is a pile of stones to mark that historic part of the camping grounds. In 1890 a pewter silver buckle and three pewter silver buttons were picked up on the camping field near the old log cabin site. These which I exhibit to-day are treasures in the collection of my father’s and were found by the owner and his daughters after the spring plowing. The fort was built upon the point with the cannon pit, facing the east toward the lower side of the creek between Legionville and Logan Station, Beyond the log cabin which was upon the crest of the bank is a rifle pit along the edge of the run, and below that spot at Logan Station- named for Captain James Logan a famous steamboat pilot and pioneer settler of this Valley- another outpost can be found upon the edge of the burying site, where two nameless graves of soldiers, who were with Anthony Wayne during that winter, may be found. This was the last outpost west- but going to the old State Road a few rods along the edge of the camp ground can be found a rifle pit of larger size than the others. On the camp ground going up to the forks of Legionville Creek is to be found one of the greatest outposts and a number of rifle posts. Old hunters have often visited this place and found it intensively interesting, not many now living, knowing of its existence.

On February 22nd and 23rd, a lively sham battle was fought here and a great banquet held with speeches for the closing exercises. Wayne’s army camped here until the river cleared of ice on April 30th. 1793. On this date the great army left in boats built for that trip, sailing down the river to Fort Washington, now Cincinnati.

Legionville with its many beautiful hills surrounding the great drill and camp grounds of Wayne’s historic army, with its flowing creeks and peaceful fields of wild flowers marks the great fording place of the Indians over the O-He-O, called by them and meaning "Beautiful River of White Caps." Here was where Mad Anthony kept his troops in constant practice, going to and fro among them on his faithful white horse, commanding strict obedience. Here echoing across the broad stream could be heard the click of spurs, the measured tread upon the Red Man’s path and the earnest call to arms for the protection of the country. Historians will recall from year to year and from generation to generation, many brave deeds, but none will be remembered better than General Anthony Wayne’s Encampment at Legionville and Logstown in Beaver County, Western Pennsylvania.

 

 

 

To thee, Oh Legionville
May you long stand true,
Keep the flag waving, red, white and blue

Louise Woodbridge Dippold
Member of the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania

In 1778, General MacIntosh, with regulars and militia from Fort Pitt. The following year, 1779, twelve men came down the Ohio River and with carpenters built the Beaver Blockhouse, which stood upon the crest of the bank at Beavertown, at the mouth of the Big Beaver River. This fort is still standing to-day, memorable as one of the greatest gateways to the westwards and upon this point will be built the memorial building of the chapter.

The Chapter is also desirous of obtaining about twenty acres of the camp grounds at Legionville, with the intention of making an historical park of the property with appropriate markings of the points of interest.

The hopes and desires of these passionate historians were never realized due to the War in Europe. What treasures of our national heritage have been destroyed since this time, yet what remains?

Patrick Riley