Ohio in the War of 1812 facts for kids
Ohio was a really important place during the War of 1812. This war was fought between the United States and Great Britain, along with their allies from Canada and Native American groups. A lot of the fighting happened in northeastern Ohio and on Lake Erie.
Contents
Ohio's Role in the War of 1812
Getting Ready for War
Before the war officially started, leaders in the United States talked a lot about fighting Britain and Canada. If war happened, they planned to attack Canada from three different directions: west, center, and east.
William Hull, who was the governor of the Michigan territory, was chosen to lead the North West Army. His job was to protect Michigan and work with other American forces. Hull's army started gathering in April and May of 1812, even before the U.S. declared war.
Ohio Soldiers Join the Fight
Hull's army included a regular U.S. Army unit and three groups of Ohio volunteer soldiers. These Ohio groups were led by Col. Duncan McArthur, Col. James Findlay, and Col. Lewis Cass.
The Ohio volunteers met near Dayton, Ohio. On May 25, 1812, Ohio's Governor Return J. Meigs Jr. officially put these soldiers under the command of General Hull. Sadly, some Ohio soldiers were killed in early battles, like the Battle of Brownstown and the Battle of Maguaga in August 1812.
Important Battles of 1813
In February 1813, construction began on Fort Meigs near the Maumee River in Perrysburg, Ohio. General William Henry Harrison ordered this fort to be built. It was a very important defensive spot.
Fighting at Fort Meigs
Fort Meigs faced two big attacks, called sieges. The first siege happened in May. British forces attacked the fort, but the American soldiers inside fought bravely and held their ground. The Americans won this battle.
The second siege was in July. Tecumseh, a famous Native American leader allied with the British, tried to trick the Americans into an ambush. However, his plan didn't work. The British and their Native American allies had to leave, and the Americans won again.
Victory on Lake Erie
In September 1813, a very important naval battle took place: the Battle of Lake Erie. American forces were led by Oliver Hazard Perry. The British had more ships and guns, but Perry had a clever plan.
He moved his ships closer to the British. This was risky, but it made his cannons more effective up close. Because of this smart move, Perry forced the British to surrender. This was a huge victory for the Americans on the lake!
Who Was Involved?
United States Leaders
- Brigadier General William Hull
- Col. Duncan McArthur
- Col. James Findlay
- Col. Lewis Cass
- General William Henry Harrison
- Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry
British, Canadian, and Native American Leaders
- Major General Henry Procter
- Tecumseh (Native American leader)
