The Fort Amanda Monument was dedicated on July 5, 1915, more than two years after the Ohio general assembly appropriated $5,000 for its construction at the behest of a delegation headed by William Rusler of Shawnee Township. “Fort Amanda is rich in historic interest,” the Lima Morning Star & Republican-Gazette wrote July 4, 1915. “No spot in Allen County and few in surrounding counties have a background so varied with romance, wars, both of Indians and whites, and struggles of pioneers to gain a foothold in a virgin country. Fort Amanda has the honor of being the first in many events. Here were the first military operations in this region, here was the first hospital, the first religious meeting house, the first post office, the first national cemetery and here was born the first white child.”
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