Facebook Twitter Digg Stumbleupon Yahoo My Web

 
Interesting US History
A Website Devoted to Interesting Events in U.S. History

 

 
 

 

ON THIS DAY IN UNITED STATES HISTORY

August 16, 1812

General William Hull Surrenders Fort Detroit
to the British in the War of 1812

On this day in 1812, American General William Hull, surrendered Fort Detroit (later named Fort Shelby) to the British regulars, Canadian militia, and a group of Indians led by Tecumseh.

It wasn't that Hull was facing overwhelming forces, in fact, his 2,500 troops vastly outnumbered the enemy, however his fear of a massacre at the hands of the Indian's ultimately led to his decision.

The decision brought him a Court-Martial and he was sentenced to death, however he later received a reprieve from President James Madison.