size of all 13 states combined. Because
Congress trusted him with this huge
responsibility and because he knew the
subject well, St. Clair was elected the first
governor of the Northwest Territory in 1788.
Although the office at first was a great honor,
the development of this wilderness, mostly
inhabited by American Indians, proved to be
his great challenge for 15 years. The vast
territory today encompasses the states of
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin
and Minnesota. Regrettably, St. Clair's service
and achievement as territorial governor have
mostly been forgotten.
St. Clair remained a close friend of
Washington's for 20 years. He was one of 12
dignitaries invited by Washington to stand
with him at his inauguration as the first
president of the United States.
A retired agency marketing and media consultant who
ran his agencies out of Cleveland and Phoenix, R.W.
"Dick" Phillips now lives in St. Clairsville, Ohio, where
he researches, writes and speaks about 18th century
historical figures. He can be contacted at phillphx@aol.
Top, the ruins of Ft. Ticonderoga in the late 18th century; above, the restored fort today.
WINTER 2012-13
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