East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1908-11-19

Paducah, KY, Nov. 19.-Today is
the 15Sth anniversary Of the birth OF
one of Americas most heroic men,
General George Clark, who unfurled
the first American flag in Illinois and
was largely responsible for making
the great northwest an American
territory. Dying in poverty and
want, the great soldier was forgotten
for nearly a century. A few years
ago a movement was inaugurated TO
rescue from obscurity the name and
fame of the almost forgotten hero,
and this patriotic project had its cul-
mination this month in the dedication
Of a handsome monument at Fort
Massac, near Metropolic, III. Some
OF the most notable events of Ameri-
can history centered about this old
military post. 1t was here, according
10 history, that Aaron Burr plotted
his treason.
Clark was born in Abermale coun-
ty, va, November 19. 1852. He died
at Locust Grove, near Louisville, KY
February ls 1915 His body rests in
the beautiful Caves Hill cemetery,
Louisville.
Made Kentucky,
He began life as a long surveyor.
In l772 he visited Kentucky and
commanded a force of armed settlers
there. In 1916 he was elected TO the
Virginia assembly and procured the
formation Of Kentucky.
In 1777 Clark was commissioned to
take possession Of the forts in the
Northwest territory, then under the
Jurisdiction Of Virginia. He and his
men embarked on the Ohio river,
floating to a small recess a short dis
lance above Fort Massac. From
there he went overland, through wa
ter swamps and difficulties innumer-
able. TO Kaskaskla and Vincennes.
All Of the fertile region northwest
Of the Ohio river was wrested from
the British by the valor Of this SOL
der, yet he died in poverty. The state
Of Virginia sent him a sword after
he became old and poor, which he
broke to pieces, exclaiming:
when Virginia needed a sword
gave her one She sends me now a
toy. want bread"
Women Do Something.
The Daughters Of the American
Revolution, by diligent effort, caused
the passage Of bill through the state
legislature in the year 1903, which
appropriated $4,000 for the purchase
and restoration Of the site Of For
Massac. Twenty acres Of land were
purchased and work was commenced
in the winter Of 1904. The transfer
Of the fort 10 the state took place De-
cember IS. 1903
A broad gravel drive encircles the
fort, which was converted into park
and numerous footpaths run in all di.
rections. The four bastiOns have beer
rebuilt and mounted with cannon. Al
the corner that projects farthest oui
over the river a large flag standard
has been erected, and by its side a
stately monument towers in commem-
Grafton Of George Rogers Clark and
the heroes known and unknown who
defended this sacred spot.
The trench which was dug around
the fort is still discernable. The
massive entrance which has been
built to Fort Massac Park is indeed
a monument to the zeal and enter
prise OF the Illinois Daughters OF the
American Revolution.
Fort Massac is on a rolling plain
on the northern side Of the ohio riv-
er, 38 miles from its mouth and 10
miles below Paducah. It commands
an extensive view Of the river. In its
days OF usefulness It stood % feet
above highest water mark. From this
point OF vantage. with the aid Of a
field glass, objects were discernable