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Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Northwest Ohio Region
Fort Meigs State Memorial
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Fort Meigs State Memorial © Tony Everhardt
Fort Meigs State Memorial © Tony Everhardt
Fort Meigs State Memorial © Tony Everhardt
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FORT MEIGS STATE MEMORIAL
FORT MEIGS STATE MEMORIAL
William Henry Harrison built Fort Meigs on the Maumee River in 1813 to protect northwest Ohio and Indiana from British invasion. Today's reconstruction is one of the largest log forts in America. British and Canadian troops, assisted by Indians under Tecumseh, besieged the fort twice. The 10-acre log enclosure with 7 blockhouses and 5 emplacements presented a formidable defense. The first assault was in May of 1813 and the second was in July. Both failed and the British retreated after the second.

The blockhouses contain exhibits explaining Ohio's participation in the War of 1812 as well as the life at Fort Meigs. Artifacts recovered from the original fort are on display.
History of the Area
Fort Meigs State Memorial, located in Perrysburg, Ohio, is a historic landmark and museum that commemorates the original Fort Meigs - an important military outpost during the War of 1812.

Construction of the original Fort Meigs was ordered by General William Henry Harrison, who served as the U.S. Army commander in the Northwest during the War of 1812. The fort was built as a defensive stronghold against British and Native American forces, as well as to protect the western frontier of the United States.

The construction of the fort began in February 1813, and it was completed in just three months. Built on a bluff overlooking the Maumee River, Fort Meigs spanned over 10 acres and featured earthen walls, blockhouses, artillery batteries, and a moat.

Soon after its completion, Fort Meigs faced its first major test during the British and Native American siege of the fort in late April 1813. Led by British General Henry Proctor, the combined forces attempted to capture Fort Meigs and suppress American control in the region. However, the American defenders, under the leadership of General Harrison, managed to withstand the siege and repel the attackers. This victory at Fort Meigs played a crucial role in boosting American morale during a critical phase of the war.

Although the fort remained an active military post until the end of the War of 1812, it gradually fell into disuse and disrepair afterward. In 1907, local citizens and veterans formed the Fort Meigs Association to preserve and commemorate the site's historical significance. The association acquired the land and began restoration efforts. In 1915, the state of Ohio recognized the importance of the site, and the Ohio General Assembly established Fort Meigs as a state memorial.

Since then, Fort Meigs State Memorial has undergone extensive restoration and preservation projects, transforming it into an educational and historical site. Today, the fort serves as a museum and visitor center, showcasing exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that highlight the history of the War of 1812 and the role of Fort Meigs.

Visitors to Fort Meigs State Memorial can explore the reconstructed fortifications, experience living history demonstrations, and learn about the challenges faced by soldiers and civilians during the war. The site also hosts annual reenactments of the siege, providing visitors with an immersive experience of the fort's past.

Fort Meigs State Memorial stands as a testament to the importance of the Northwest Territory during the War of 1812 and the resilience of the American forces who defended it.




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Nearby Hotels
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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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