When you live near historic battlefields your whole life, they’re easy to overlook.
Especially when they’re not as famous as sites like Gettysburg or Antietam, but that doesn’t mean they should be treated as mere footnotes in America’s young history.
Fort Meigs, which overlooks the Maumee River in Perrysburg, Ohio, was a strategically placed fortification during the War of 1812.
General William Henry Harrison, who would go on to become our ninth president, established the fort to protect the Northwest Territory from British invasion.
The British, under General Henry Procter, and their Native American allies, led by Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, would besiege the fort twice, but unsuccessfully.
American soldiers were able to hold the fort, and British and Native American forces eventually retreated to Canada.
Fort Meigs was the first American success after a long losing streak of battles including Fort Mackinac, Fort Detroit, Fort Dearborn and the Battle of the River Raisin.
The American victory at Fort Meigs was seen as the “first major setback” for the British, according to the Fort Meigs Museum and Visitor Center. It even goes so far as to say the victory “turned the tide of the War of 1812.”
General Harrison would later return to Perrysburg and to Fort Meigs in 1840 as a candidate for President, rallying for support on the battlefield.
Those who live in Maumee and Perrysburg at least know that a battle was fought here, thanks to all the reenactments and special events that are held during various parts of the year.
But few could describe what really happened if asked.
I always wondered why school districts in the area didn’t include the local history in its curriculum.
I went to Union Elementary in Maumee as a child, which is just four miles east of The Battle of Fallen Timbers, two miles west of Fort Miamis and within walking distance of other key historical sites that opened up the Northwest Territory to settlers.
From the second story windows of the school, you could see Fort Meigs just across the river.
And yet, I didn’t learn about the rich history of the area in school.
Thankfully, I would learn about it from my parents, who saw the sites as great educational resources.
Not having an appreciation for the local history has led to a disconnect in our citizens.
This is dangerous because the sites depend on visitors, donations, volunteers and respect to survive.
I urge you, next time you’re in the area, take a walking tour of the fort.
See with your own eyes the blockade houses, cannons and grave sites.
Take in the beautiful view of the river and imagine who and what it has seen.
Go to the on-site museum and look at the artifacts that were dug up by archaeologists before the fort was renovated in the 2000s, who unearthed horse skeletons, exploded shells and soldiers’ personal belongings.
Feel the unique connection to history that Fort Meigs offers.
If you aren’t awed by your visit to Fort Meigs, at least you’ll agree that Ohio was and is more important than one would think.
Fort Meigs is open April through October. The Museum and Visitor Center is open all year.
Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for students with valid ID. Kids ages 5 and under are admitted for free.
Respond to Emily at
