The Heroic Defense of Fort Henry: A Tale of Courage and Determination 💪

The Brave Defenders vs Simon Girty's Forces 🗡️

In September 1777, a small garrison at Fort Henry faced overwhelming odds when Simon Girty led 400 warriors in an assault against their stronghold. Despite having only 40 defenders initially (which was reduced to just 12 after early casualties), the brave colonists refused to surrender!

Elizabeth Zane: The True Hero of the Hour! 👸

The most inspiring part of this tale centers around Elizabeth Zane, who had recently returned from school in Philadelphia. When the defenders ran dangerously low on gunpowder, they needed someone to make a dangerous run to a nearby house to retrieve more supplies. Though the men volunteered, Elizabeth insisted that losing a woman would impact the defense less than losing a valuable gunman.
In an incredible display of courage, she:

• Ran 60 yards to her brother's house 🏃‍♀️
• Retrieved a keg of gunpowder 🎯
• Sprinted back while under heavy fire 💨
• Made it safely inside with the vital supplies! 🙌

The Final Victory ⭐

Thanks to Elizabeth's bravery and the defenders' determination, Fort Henry held out until reinforcements arrived. Despite Girty's superior numbers, the assault failed, with the attackers suffering 60-100 casualties while the fort's garrison remained largely intact.

Fun Facts! 📚

• The defenders tried using a hollowed maple log as a makeshift cannon... it didn't end well! 💥
• Major McCullough escaped capture by making an incredible leap down a 150-foot cliff on horseback! 🐎
• Elizabeth Zane's heroic powder run became legendary in frontier history! ⚡

This amazing story showcases how courage, quick thinking, and determination helped a small group of defenders overcome seemingly impossible odds! 🌟

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