On August 2, 1813, 21‑year‑old Major George Croghan made one of the boldest decisions of the War of 1812. Despite orders to abandon Fort Stephenson, he refused, writing defiantly, “We have determined to maintain this place, and by heavens we can.” With only 160 men and a single six‑pounder cannon nicknamed “Old Betsy,” Croghan faced a British‑Native force of more than 3,000. The fort should have fallen within minutes — but Croghan had a plan.
Croghan’s men used psychological warfare to turn their lone cannon into a phantom artillery battery. By rapidly shifting Old Betsy between embrasures and firing from multiple angles, they tricked the British into believing the fort was heavily armed. Confused and demoralized, the attackers retreated, leaving Croghan’s tiny garrison victorious. It remains one of the most brilliant tactical bluffs in American military history.
