Operation Ensign

Madeline de Verchères: The 14-year-old Who Held the Fort October 22, 1692. Parents gone, soldiers in the fields. Only women, kids, and elderly left in the wooden fort on the St. Lawrence. Haudenosaunee warriors attack; settlers seized. Madeline, ~200 paces away in the cabbage garden, sprints to the gate yelling “Aux armes!” Madeline grabs a musket, races to the bastions, and has everyone shout, fire, and bang to fake a full garrison. She fires the cannon, raiders retreat with few captives. Madeline and her two young brothers guard the only gate, checking returnees for hidden warriors. Montreal help arrives. She hands her firearm to the lieutenant. Troops free several captives. One teenage girl. One fort. One legendary stand.