![Robert Sayer And John Bennett & Scull, W. (1775) A map of Pennsylvania exhibiting not only the improved parts of that Province, but also its extensive frontiers: Laid down from actual surveys and chiefly from the late map of W. Scull published in ; and humbly inscribed to the Honourable Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, Esquires, true and absolute proprietaries & Governors of the Province of Pennsylvania and the territories thereunto belonging. London, Printed for Robt. Sayer & J. Bennett. [Map] Retrieved from the Library of Congress.](https://visitgreene.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1775-Map-of-Pennsylvania-Library-of-Congress-scaled-2560x1280.jpg "1775 Map of Pennsylvania – Library of Congress")
1776 to 2026: 250 Years of America
Thick and dense forestry meet with the edges of the open frontier land. The streams trickle through their designated paths, filled with fish that would later be dinner for an animal or a settler. Looking around, there is a rolling mountain range that looks like it is never-ending. The sounds are as quiet as they can be in nature, with birds chirping and animals wondering around on the land. As America approaches its 250th birthday, let’s take a glance of Greene County in 1776 and the time during the fight for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Getting Settled
Twelve years prior to the Revolutionary War, the first round of settlers migrated into Greene County following the conclusion of the French and Indian War in 1763. Upon arrival, settlers unpacked their belongings, built log cabins along the streams, and began their lives in what is now Greene County.
Captain James Hook and John Minor were among the first group on Greene County land. Little did they know, the land would be the perfect spot where people could start their own businesses, raise their families, and live out the American dream for years to come.
![The "minute-men" of the revolution. Published by Currier & Ives 125 Nassau St. New York, [1876].](https://visitgreene.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Currier-and-Ives-print-of-The-Minute-Men.jpg)
Beginning of the War: Soldiers versus Militia
As the American colonies continued their split from Great Britain, there were two main groups of men who cannot go unnoticed. The men who became soldiers, and the men who were a part of the militia.
The militia consisted of armed civilians and were managed by the state. They had some training and were frontiersmen. The responsibilities they carried were to support the regular army in emergencies or local defense. After the task was complete, they would return back to their civilian lives.
James Hook was the Commander of the first militia at Fort Jackson. His men were labeled the Minute Men of the frontier. Hook joined the Continental Line in December of 1776 and concluded his military service on November 3, 1783.
Soldiers were full-time military personnel who built a career in their positions, and were managed at the federal level. They had extensive and intense training, and when they went to battle, they were uniform with every march and command. Soldiers had continuous terms where they could either sign up for duty, or be done when their term was up.
All men from ages 16-45 were responsible for military duty, however, the States were responsible for the recruitments and appointment of war soldiers. First, they had to appoint a colonel, lieutenant, and a major. Next, they formed the regimental staff, which included an adjutant, quartermaster, surgeon, pay master, and 8-10 companies. The Calvary and Artillery are made up of the troops that the States had put together and recruited.
Kaskaskia: Present-Day Illinois
In 1778, the Greene County settlers helped Virginia Lieutenant Colonel George Roberts Clark launch his expedition to capture the towns of Kaskaskia. Clark went through north, near the now Pittsburgh area, to find men to assemble a force of 175 soldiers of mostly Frontiersmen to fight in the battle.
John Minor, often referred to as the Father of Greene County, helped Clark by supervising the construction of boats for this mission. He also built and operated one of the earliest mills in the Greene County area.
On June 26, 1778 the men left for Kaskaskia using the Tennessee River with oars double-manned to keep a fast pace and stay stealth. Once they reached the mouth of the Tennessee River, they hid in their boats, then marched for six days in single-file to keep their presence discrete.
During the trek, Clark and his men were able to capture a boat with American hunters coming out of Kaskaskia. The group agreed to join the expedition to serve as guides. They arrived at their destination on the evening of July 4 and attacked, surprising the town and occupying the fort without a single shot fired.
America 250
Greene County has not always been filled with stoplights, street signs, local stores, and paved roads. Just 250 years ago, this land was a blank canvas with endless possibilities. As the Semiquincentennial is celebrated nationwide, Greene County is preparing to recognize this milestone with events and activities planned throughout the year.
