Ohio War of 1812

Welcome to the Ohio War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission

Information: Fort Meigs in Perrysburg, Ohio was under siege twice by combined British and Native American forces. It is the largest reconstructed wooden-walled fort in the United States where historical interpreters dressed in 1812 clothing present demonstrations of camp life, weapons, and other activities throughout the summer. Reenactments and special events further highlight America’s rich military history in this Ohio location.
Information: During the War of 1812 Ohio was home to a number of Native American tribes including the Shawnee, Miami, Delaware, Wyandot, and Seneca or Mingo. A number of Ohio counties have their names. While the War of 1812 was technically a draw for the white nations, the war was a disaster for the Native American tribes that were involved.
Information: "Old Betsy" still stands guard on the Birchard Library grounds in Fremont, Ohio where Fort Stephenson once stood. In August of 1813, “Old Betsy” played a crucial role in defending Fort Stephenson from a combined British and Native American attack.
Information: In September of 1813 American naval forces met British warships off of Put-in-Bay Island and the Battle of Lake Erie was on. The Americans won the hard fought naval engagement and won fame for their young commander, Oliver Hazard Perry. Perrysburg, Ohio is named for this naval officer who flew a flag with "Don't give up the Ship" inscribed upon it and who also uttered the words; "I have met the enemy and he is ours..."
Information: One of several images thought to be of Tecumseh, the Shawnee leader who attempted to form a tribal confederacy in order to stave off the advancement and encroachment of Europeans and Americans into Native American land areas.

Purpose:

Welcome to the official web site of the Ohio War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. The Ohio War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission was created by the 128th General Assembly through Senate Bill 93 which was sponsored by former 1st District State Senator Steven Buehrer. The Bill created Ohio Revised Code 149.32 which gave the Commission its legal status to function and the ability to adopt any of the following roles or purposes:

the study and recommending of activities that this state may carry out to honor Americans who served in Ohio in the War of 1812;
educating and raising awareness of residents of Ohio and of the nation about Ohio’s role in the War of 1812;
the coordination of international, federal, state, and local War of 1812 Bicentennial activities occurring in Ohio;
the planning and implementation of appropriate events, including celebrations and educational initiatives, to commemorate the War of 1812 Bicentennial;
performing other duties as necessary to highlight Ohio’s role in the War of 1812;
coordinating, as the Commission considers appropriate, with the government of the United States, of the states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, of the province of Ontario, and of other states and nations that are commemorating the War of 1812;
the seeking of federal grants and philanthropic support for War of 1812 Bicentennial activities;
compiling an inventory of existing War of 1812 markers, monuments, museums, and ties in this state;
and the undertaking of other activities that are appropriate to celebrate and commemorate the War of 1812 Bicentennial.

Mission:

The Bicentennial Commission for the War of 1812 will provide leadership to the State of Ohio, in partnership with its neighbors, to encourage public programs, commemorations, and scholarship on the War of 1812. By exploring the impact of the War, the Commission will foster a lasting legacy grounded in sound scholarship, thoughtful discussion, and the inclusion of diverse peoples and perspectives.

Content

This web site serves two main functions. It is the official site of the Ohio War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission which provides public access to Commission activities, decisions, and documents. And it is a portal to War of 1812 information and other on-line sources.

By using the pull down links in the home page banner, a site user can access scholarly research related to the War of 1812 and Ohio; see links to other related sites by region; access additional resources; find out about upcoming War of 1812 commemorative events or register events; and learn about Ohio specific historical sites. In addition, the user can obtain official Commission information.

Ohio.Gov