Fort Meigs is a War of 1812 battlefield located in Perrysburg just south of Toledo. A reconstructed fort and museum help bring this important American history alive with the recreated full-size fort, some of the original earthworks and a museum with actual artifacts found during archeological excavations prior to rebuilding the fort. Along with school tours and interactive displays, a number of reenactments and special events take place here throughout the summer. Dedicated staff and volunteers allow Fort Meigs to bring fun and education to hundreds of visitors each year.
Fort Meigs, the largest reconstructed wooden fort in Ohio includes 10 acres of land and has a mile perimeter overlooking the Maumee River. Fort Meigs stood as an important stronghold against the British during the War of 1812. In the 1960s the Ohio Historical Society purchased the site to rebuild the fort, and in 1974 the reconstructed fort was opened to the public.
Visits to the Fort include authentically dressed guides that are more than willing to talk about all aspects of the fighting men and women that lived in the fort during 1813. They will also give you a step-by-step demonstration that a rifleman went through in firing their flint-lock.
Many events throughout the warmer months depict what went on at Fort Meigs during the war such as the First Siege event held in late May. The First Siege includes a re-enactment of the British's first attempt to take over the fort as well as other demonstrations throughout the day. The fort also hosts several other events that include Vikings and Roman Legionnaires, and events about the 1812 culture and frontier life.
General admission into the fort and the museum is $7 for adults, $3 for students and children five years old and under get in free. If you're at all interested in Ohio and American history, then Fort Meigs is well worth the visit.
The Museum and Education Center has 3,000 square feet of exhibits and artifacts - including soldiers' letters and diaries, weapons, maps, and uniforms describing Fort Meigs role during the War of 1812.
Exhibits themes include The Lore of the Land, The Sixty Year War for Ohio, and Building Fort Meigs. Original artifacts from the War of 1812, including swords, uniforms, and maps highlight the events of the war and the impact it had on soldiers and their families.
There is also a well made video that explains some of the reasons for the War of 1812, the important role that Fort Meigs played in the War of 1812 and how the original fort was recreated.
Exhibits emphasize hands-on and interpretive learning opportunities for students and families, as well as workshop and curriculum resources for teachers. The museum also includes a well stocked gift shop that offers informative literature and items directly related to the War of 1812, and items for the children. Classroom and conference rooms are also available.
Additional information about Fort Meigs can be found at: http://www.fortmeigs.org/
Memorial Day Re-enactments
Each year on the Memorial Day weekend, re-enactors gather on the grounds of Fort Meigs to recreate the conflict between British, Canadian, Indian and American forces. These events are representational, but they give visitors a sampling of how life might have been like in the camps as well as on the battlefields.
Special demonstrations are given throughout the day including musket firing and canon fire.
War of 1812
The War of 1812, sometimes called the Second War of Independence, was fought for sailor's rights and western expansion. Great Britain was stopping American merchant ships on the Atlantic Ocean and impressing sailors into the Royal Navy. In response, the United States declared war on June 18, 1812. Fort Meigs stood at the center of American military operations in the Northwest Territory