George Rogers ClarkBy: Jalyn Gates

Summary of his life

• George Rogers Clark was born in Albemarle County, Virginia on November 19, 1752.During the Revolutionary War, he became the “Conqueror of the Old Northwest.” He captured the territory that expanded America’s frontier. After the war, he was left penniless due to his debts he had incurred in order to support his troops. He was 65 years old when he died. George died on February 13, 1818 just outside of Louisville, Kentucky.

Loyalist or Patriot ?

• George Rogers Clark was a Patriot. He helped the Patriots win the Revolutionary war. On February 25, 1779, the British surrendered in Fort Sackville in the Illinois territory to George and his troops.

Role in the war

• George Rogers Clark was a soldier from Virginia. He was the highest ranking American military officer on the northwestern frontier during the American Revolution. He served as leader of the Kentucky militia throughout much of the war.

Revolutionary war status

• Yes, they survived the revolutionary war. Clark had wanted to proceed to Detroit, but never received the reinforcements he needed to do so. Even without Detroit, when the Treaty of Paris (1783) officially ended the Revolutionary War, the territory Clark had gained helped America lay claim to a large swath of land. Clark was initially hopeful that Virginia or the national government would settle the debts he had incurred while fighting on the frontier, particularly given the territorial gains the country had made.

Interesting Facts

• George Rogers Clark fought on the northwest frontier during the Revolutionary War, achieving remarkable victories that helped America expand its borders.

• Clark took work as an Indian commissioner and as a land surveyor, and even considered leaving America to live in Spanish territory.

• In 1809, a serious burn led to Clark's leg being amputated, which meant Clark could no longer live on his own.

• After his death, Clark's family continued to the fight for his debts to be paid by the government; his heirs eventually obtained a financial settlement.

• Though his accomplishments were discounted during his lifetime, the role Clark played in American expansion is fully recognized today.