Forts of the War of 1812 - Old Franklin, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 59.224 W 092° 45.383
15S E 521099 N 4315369
Bench at a roadside turn out, near the Katy Trail, and marks the true beginning of the Santa Fe Trail and location of the town of Franklin.
Waymark Code: WM156YW
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 10/28/2021
Views: 1
County of bench: Howard County
Location of bench: Roadside turnout, MO-87, NW of Boonville
Erected by: National and State Offices of Daughters of 1812 & South Howard County Historical Society
Date Dedicated: September 17, 1938
Bench Text:
(Top):
FORTS OF 1812
Located in Central Missouri in the Heart of Boone's Lick Country on the Missouri River
COOPERS ~ Opposite Arrow Rick McMAHONS ~ Near Coopers
HEMPSTEAD ~ near New Franklin KINCAID ~ North of Old Franklin
HEADS ~ North of Rocheport COLE ~ East of Boonville
HANNAH COLE'S ~ East Boonville
Presented By Mrs. John F. Weinmann President National United States Daughters of 1812
To The Missouri State Society for Outstanding Work
Mrs. F. Lee Smiser, State President
April 1937
Dedicated September 17, 1938
(Front): Donated by South Howard County Historical Society
Great reading on this set of Forts and the Indians of Cooper County 1812
"At the outbreak of the War of 1812 the settlers around Boonesboro, Missouri began construction of forts as refuges from British sponsored hostile Indian attacks. The settlers were spread out in farms along a fertile plain on the north side of the Missouri River and in small settlements on the south side so many forts were required to provide safety for all. In all, some 500 to 600 persons gathered in these forts for protection.
"At the west end of the plain was the economic engine of the area, the Boone's Lick salt works. Boone's Lick was named after the sons of Daniel Boone and was in fact a series of saltwater springs. The saltwater was boiled down to produce salt crystals which were packaged and shipped to St. Louis at a profit. The Indian attacks became so severe by 1814 that the salt works were shut down until 1815 when peace was made with the warring Indian tribes." ~ Cole's Fort