Vallonia

History

Vallonia was a French settlement of the late 18th century and lay between the Muscatatuck River and the White River's east fork (aka Driftwood). Circa 1810, hostilities began between the settlers and Native Americans. Governor General William Henry Harrison ordered a fort built as well as a number of other defensive structures including a large stockade, garrison, blockhouses, and a spring. to be built to protect the some 90 families in the area. Two companies of Indiana Rangers were stationed here during the War of 1812. Huff's Fort and Ketcham's Fort were two other fortifications, though not as large. Huff's fort was said to be "higher up" than Vallonia and Ketcham's "still above". One of the companies of Indiana Rangers was newly organized, and set out to investigate claims of a Native American war party near Brownstown. Finding no war party, the company returned to Fort Vallonia, but one ranger, Robert Sturgeon, rode ahead. He was ambushed by Native Americans and killed. The Rangers, in a panic, rode hard back to Fort Vallonia, never stopping to help Sturgeon. Five civilians finally left the fort to recover Sturgeon's body, and buried it near the fort. When Major John Tipton arrived and learned of the Rangers' conduct, he assumed command of the fort and began routine drills of the two companies stationed at the fort. A later skirmish, known as the Battle of Tipton's Island, allowed the Rangers to prove their ability to engage Native Americans. Numerous attacks and skirmishes occurred between the Rangers of Fort Vallonia and American Indians during the War of 1812. Attacks in this area of the Indiana Territory diminished after an expedition to destroy the Miami village at the confluence of the Wabash River and Mississinewa River. That expedition left Fort…

Geography

Vallonia is located in southwestern Jackson County on the southeast side of the valley of the East Fork of the White River. Indiana State Road 135 passes through the community, leading northeast to Brownstown, the county seat, and south to Salem. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Vallonia CDP has a total area of , of which , or 0.04%, are water.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Brownstown Elementary School
  Elementary · Brownstown · 635 students · 16.7:1 ratio
• Brownstown Central High School
  High · Brownstown · 475 students · 14.8:1 ratio
• Brownstown Central Middle School
  Middle · Brownstown · 323 students · 16.1:1 ratio
• Medora Jr & Sr High School
  High · Medora · 110 students · 10:1 ratio
• Medora STEM Academy
  Elementary · Medora · 100 students · 16.7:1 ratio