Invest. To invest a place is to seize upon all the avenues leading to a town or fortress. On the occasion of an investment, the hostile troops are distributed on the principal commands, to prevent any succor from being received by the garrison, and to keep the ground until the rest of the army, with the artillery, can arrive to form a regular siege. To invest a place is, in fact, to take preparatory measures for a blockade or close siege.
Invincible. Incapable of being conquered or overcome; unconquerable; insuperable; as, an invincible army, etc.
Inwall. To inclose or fortify with a wall.
Iona, Icolmkill, or Hii. The most famous of the Hebrides, in Argyle Co., Scotland. It is about 3 miles long, and varies in breadth from a mile to a mile and a half. It was founded by Saint Columba, a native of Ireland, in the 6th century, and long remained the chief seat of learning and the centre of missionary enterprises undertaken by the Culdees. In 795, 802, 806, 825, and 986 the island was ravaged by Norsemen, by whom its monks were martyred in the three latter dates.
Ionia. In Asia Minor. About 1040 B.C., the Iones, a Pelasgic race, emigrated from Greece, and settled here and on the adjoining islands. They were conquered by the great Cyrus about 548 B.C.; revolted in 504, but were again subdued. After the victories of Cimon, Ionia became independent and remained so till 387, when it was once more subjected to Persia. It formed part of the dominions of Alexander and his successors; was annexed to the Roman empire, and conquered by the Turks.
Ionian Islands. A group of islands running round the west coast of Epirus, and west and south of Greece. After the division of the Roman empire these islands were included in the eastern half, and so continued till 1081, when the Duke of Calabria took possession of them. From this time they underwent a continual change of masters till the commencement of the 15th century, when they by degrees came into possession of the Venetians, who in 1797 ceded them to France. They were seized by Russia and Turkey in 1800, by France in 1807, by Great Britain in 1809, and November 15, 1815, they were formed into a republic under the protectorate of the latter power. In May, 1864, they were formally annexed to Greece.
Ionie Indians. A tribe of aborigines allied to the Caddos, who resided in Texas, and were generally peaceable and friendly.
Iowa. One of the Central States of the United States, lying between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. It originally formed a portion of the Louisiana Territory; and permanent settlements commenced to be formed in it about 1833; organized as a Territory in 1838, and admitted as a State in 1846. During the civil war it contributed its full quota of troops to the cause of the Union.
Iowa Indians. A tribe of aborigines of Dakota stock, who inhabited the State which now bears their name. They were closely allied to the Sacs and Foxes.
Ipsara, or Psara. A small island in the Grecian Archipelago, west of Scio; belongs to Turkey. It was taken by the Turks in 1824.