People

Sister of Ebenezer Zane, celebrated in oral tradition for running from Fort Henry to the nearby Zane cabin during the 1782 siege to retrieve a keg of gunpowder, carrying it back through British rifle fire wrapped in her apron or tablecloth. The story's specific details vary across sources and cannot be independently verified, but early accounts from frontier survivors support the core tradition. Zane Grey made her the heroine of his 1903 novel Betty Zane.

Virginia-born frontiersman who founded Wheeling in 1769 and built the first permanent settlement on the site of Fort Henry. He organized and commanded the defense of Fort Henry during both the 1777 and 1782 sieges. After the war he negotiated Zane's Trace, a road through Ohio that opened the interior. His three brothers all fought at Fort Henry.

Brother of Ebenezer Zane and one of the most skilled scouts on the upper Ohio frontier. Jonathan operated as an intelligence gatherer and ranger, repeatedly scouting the approaches to Wheeling and carrying warning of approaching enemy forces. His woodcraft was critical to the garrison's ability to anticipate attacks.

Younger brother of Ebenezer Zane who fought alongside his family at Fort Henry during both sieges. Silas was one of the garrison's experienced riflemen and helped maintain the defense during the extended September 1777 engagement when the outer settlements had already fallen to the attacking force.

Virginia militia colonel and Lieutenant of Ohio County who held overall military authority for the Wheeling area during the Revolution. Shepherd commanded or coordinated the defense during the 1777 siege and organized the regional militia response to frontier attacks throughout the war. His administrative role made him the key link between Wheeling's garrison and the Virginia government.

British ranger officer who commanded the 1782 expedition against Fort Henry alongside Alexander McKee. Caldwell led Butler's Rangers supplemented by Wyandot and Delaware warriors. His force attacked the fort on September 11–13, 1782, in what would prove to be the last significant land battle of the Revolutionary War. He failed to take the fort and withdrew after the garrison held.

Virginia militia captain who served at Fort Henry and commanded one of the garrison's companies during the 1777 siege. Swearingen's company formed part of the core defensive force that held the fort when the surrounding settlement had been overrun. He continued to serve on the upper Ohio frontier through the later years of the war.

Legendary Virginia frontier ranger known across the upper Ohio Valley for his extraordinary skill as a rifleman and his relentless pursuit of Native raiding parties. Wetzel operated near Wheeling throughout the Revolution and was present during the Fort Henry engagements. His reputation combined genuine martial skill with a ferocity born of personal loss — Delaware warriors had killed his father and brother.