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. The Bill created Ohio Revised Code 149.32 which gave the Commission its legal status to function and the ability to adopt several roles and purposes including:

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 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.

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.

Bicentennial of the War of 1812:

Ohio on the Front Line!

Looking to immerse yourself in a thrilling true story? With the bicentennial of The War of 1812 at hand, don’t miss the opportunity to discover Ohio’s rich history of involvement in the war. Explore the War of 1812: Ohio on the Front Line exhibit, opened July 4-December 30 at the Ohio History Center, where you can see important artifacts and materials that are associated with the war here in Ohio where many significant battles took place.

The exhibit will feature three themes:

Ohio Raises An Army, with a brief introduction to the War of 1812, muster rolls, diary entries, and maps
Defending Ohio’s Borders, including trail and fort maps, and firearms
Legacy of the War of 1812, showcasing a peace pipe and a wampum belt

These themes, highlighting the war from beginning to end, tell an amazing visual story of this important time in Ohio’s history. Make sure you visit the Ohio History Center in Columbus to experience this unique exhibit where history unfolds in front of your eyes!

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