Perrysburg High School - Black and Gold Yearbook (Perrysburg, OH)

Page 11 text:

QEEEEQ, .,f ,Libr 1 qXi,TX ,11- ' X 1 3. K 1 nf V Fort Industry Cnow Toledoj was built as a stockade by General Wayne, in August, 1794. Fort Miami, a trading post since 1680, was rebuilt as a fort in the same year. It was at this place that the famous Treaty of Greenville, making Ohio a part of the Northwest Territory, was signed August 3, 1795. In 1803 Ohio was admitted to the Union. When the War of 1812 broke out the Maumee Valley was the scene of a number of important battles. General William Henry Harrison, commander-in-chief of the Army of the Northwest Territory, began the construction of Fort Meigs February 2, and completed it February 16, 1813. It covered about nine acres of land. The British commanded by General Proctor, were stationed directly across the river, while Tecumseh had his Indians scattered on both sides of the river. The first seige began May 1, and ended May 11. Colonel Dudley and 650 of his men were horribly slaughtered in 'The Dudley Defeat. The second siege began July 20, and ended July 27, 1813. After giving up the siege of Fort Meigs, General Proctor attacked Fort Stephenson lnow Fremont, Ohioj which was held by Colonel George Croghan. On August 2, Fremont was cleared of the British menace. In the Battle of the Thames, October 5, 1813 Tecumseh, the great Indian Chief at the siege of Fort Meigs, was killed by Peter Navarre, a well-known pioneer of this district. Tecumseh, befitting his humane behavior in battle was given a civilized burial. Seven f- lf,-T, K -Y -- S .1- 5 fr Pcfgpfj m' 1

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-ff f ,jf J TT-T TI 'VV T he QV - -ff-.'ff'7ff if f if Q 4.iJ ' F I . as I History of the Maumee Valley The Maumee River is one hundred and fifty miles in length. Along its shores have been fought many decisive battles during the various wars of our country. Most of the early fighting with the Indians during the Revolution, centered in this valley while later activities on this river were of great importance to the future of the Northwest Territory. The credit for the discovery of this historic river is due the Frenchman, Louis de Fontenac. In 1679 he piloted his boat up what was then known as 'lThe Miami of the Lake and explored the region. In 1680 he established the Miami Trading Post. During the next one hundred and fourteen years a number of forts were built along the Maumee which were destined to become great industrial cities in the future. H The year 1794 is famous for a number of reasons. The Battle of Fallen Timbers was fought August 20, 1794 by General Wayne opposed by the In- ,A dians. This ground was so named because a great tornado had swept the I country and annihilated all the trees. Rev. James B. Finley, the missionary, says It was the last united effort of barbarism to check the swelling overflow of civilization. In this battle Chief Turkey Foot, of the Ottawas, was killed and buried where he fell, beside the big rock. In tribute to their Chief the Indians carved Turkeys' Feet on the rock, which is still preserved at this place. Six I Z-j-Gi A I, 7 ilk... ,-.--.1

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1 sta f,f ,f-ff A Jf sus..-ag SHEET: 2-gil? MXN far H-T The most decisive battle and probably the second in importance of the War of 1812 which was fought in this vicinity of the Maumee River was the Battle of Lake Erie, September 10, 1813. Commodore Oliver H. Perry, leader of the Americans was overwhelmingly victorious in this battle. Soldiers returning home after the War of 1812 described The Maumee Country as the most forsaken, desolate and ague-stricken wilderness of 'Aforests and swamps in this country with the exception of the Dismal Swamp of Virginia, and as such it became known all over the United States. However, some of Wayne's soldiers were attracted to the country by its wonderful game supply and the hopes of a remunerative traffic in furs with the Indians and traders. Therefore, posts immediately sprung up all over the valley and in 1816 Alexander Bourne was sent by the Federal Government to select the site for a town at the foot of the Maumee Rapids. Perrysburg was then laid out by the United States surveyors and received its name from Governor Meigs who sug- gested that it be named in honor of the memory of Commodore Perry. In 1822 Perrysburg succeeded in becoming the County seat, over-riding thc ambitions of Orleans and Maumee. The town grew very rapidly. It became a center of commerce and industry and boasted hotels, newspapers, doctors and courts besides stores of every kinds. But since 'iships of greater tonnage were built and since the Government failed to dredge the river up to Perrysburg the latter stepped into the background and Toledo, which was incorporated in 1836, assumed first place. Eight ,-ff' ,f 'K ffl T 24 ri- ,A 1 1 l l I l 7..-:1 5. ..- ,- IQ. 1 - - an .,..1..-...- -.-.,....g--i T T T ,l-'i 1...-5-,