The Battle of the Wabash in 1791 and the Battle of Fort Recovery in 1794 between American forces and an American Indian alliance are two significant battles which occurred at the site of the present-day village of Fort Recovery, Ohio. The two battles represent the largest engagements of the American Army and American Indian forces in the history of the United States. They were important in defining the course of the infant American nation and continued to contribute to the precipitous loss of significant territory and independence for the American Indian tribes of the Northwest Territory.
The first battle, known variously as St. Clair’s Defeat, Little Turtle’s Victory, or the Battle of the Wabash, occurred on November 4, 1791. The American Army consisting of approximately 1,400 soldiers was swiftly devastated by a American Indian alliance of approximately 1,500 warriors from nine different tribes. Sources vary on the exact number, but it is estimated that around 800 American officers, soldiers and civilians were killed and another 350 were wounded. The exact casualty numbers for the American Indian alliance are unknown. It is estimated that their causalties were around a tenth of the American's, with some estimates as low as 30 warriors killed. The devastating loss to the United States Army was attributed to the skilled tactics of Mishikinakwa (Little Turtle) of the Miami and Weyapiersenwah (Blue Jacket) of the Shawnee coupled with missteps by the U.S. forces including a corrupt Army Quartermaster providing subpar supplies, poorly trained American soldiers, and unpreparedness on Major General Arthur St. Clair’s part.
The American Indian victory at the Battle of the Wabash ultimately only delayed Euro-American settlement in the Northwest Territory. In 1793, Major General Anthony Wayne built a fort at the site of the defeat and it was named Fort Recovery. Between June 30 and July 1, 1794, a confederation of over 2,000 American Indians from 12 different tribes with British support attacked the fort. Mishikinakwa (Little Turtle) again led the American Indian alliance. This time the American forces held, and the American Indians retreated. The second battle marked the defeat of the largest American Indian force ever assembled. The victory at Fort Recovery and subsequently at the Battle of Fallen Timbers on August 20, 1794, marked the end of the period of conflict known as the Northwest Indian War.