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

Page 12 text:

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-,

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

Page 13 text:

Q aux Z' .f-ff! ll? fig K Xl In 1875 the county seat was moved to Bowling Green and Perrysburg lost its chief claims to material importance. However, it can still boast of much which larger cities cannot-a past important in history and a beautiful setting in Nature. At present there is a movement on foot to construct several parks along the banks of the Maumee River. This is being done to preserve this region's historic scenes for the public rather than allowing them to become privately owned exhibitions. X wk we x xi Perrysburg High School was founded in 1849 by A. D. Wright. Fifty students were enrolled. There are now 262 students in High School and 570 in the grades. The first building was a brick structure 60x90 feet. It was enlarged in 1868 and destroyed by fire in 189-1. The present edifice was built in 1895 and enlarged in 1917. This building has now become inadequate for the large student enrollment. Therefore, a new High School is being planned which will be built on the same block with the old one. At the completion of the new building the present structure will be devoted entirely to the grades. The class of 1931 is expected to be the first to graduate from the new High School. A the school has become larger the number of subjects offered has increased. A present there are eleven members in the High School Faculty Nine S I ..f - X 3 ff! g ff -I F.LiI..-. '-'4'5i--