NEWS

War of 1812 bicentennial events continue at PIB

Kristina Smith
mksmith@gannett.com

PUT-IN-BAY – Two hundred years ago, the United States and Great Britain ended what historians sometimes call the second war for independence.

The War of 1812, which lasted until the Treaty of Ghent was signed in 1815, is often called the forgotten war, but it helped shape South Bass Island and parts of the Midwest.

On Memorial Day, Put-in-Bay will honor the sailors who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, which was a pivotal fight in the war.

"It is important to Ohio history," said Maggie Beckford, Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce executive director. "It is important to U.S. history."

The Memorial Day celebration throughout the weekend will include a wreath-laying in the rotunda of Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial where U.S. and British sailors who died in the battle are buried; tours of a replica of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's flagship, the Niagara; and the unveiling of a plaque in the soldiers' honor at DeRivera Park.

"It really caps off the bicentennial here," said Larry Fletcher, Lake Erie Shores and Islands executive director.

The Battle of Lake Erie took place Sept. 10, 1813, and was important because it gave the Americans control of Lake Erie and caused the British to abandon Fort Malden across the lake in Ontario. Put-in-Bay celebrated the 200th anniversary in 2013 with a reenactment of the battle.

Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, a 352-foot Doric column with an observation deck, was erected 100 years ago to honor this battle and celebrate lasting peace among the United States, Canada and Great Britain.

Fletcher expects a good turnout for the weekend and for the festivities. The Niagara usually garners plenty of interest, he said.

"Certainly there are Lake Erie history or military history fans," he said. "They just like the fact that this is a replica ship of one that fought in the waters of like Erie.

"There's a mystique about these ships."

mksmith@gannett.com

419-334-1044

Twitter: @kristinasmithNM

Put-in-Bay Memorial Day weekend events

Saturday

• 2 p.m. — There will be a wreath-laying at the rotunda of Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial.

• Black powder demonstrations where replica cannon will be shot will take place throughout the day at Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial.

Sunday

• 7 p.m. — Gala at the Niagara Event Center including entertainment, music, light food and the showcase of the new "Battle of Lake Erie" movie. Tickets are $25 and are available at the event center.

• Black powder demonstrations where replica cannon will be shot will take place throughout the day at Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial.

Monday

• Noon — Ceremony at the steps of Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. A plaque honoring those who served in the Battle of Lake Erie and those who participated in the 2013 reenactment will be unveiled at DeRivera Park.

• 1-7 p.m. — Tours of the Niagara available. Cost is $7.

Free ferry offer

Active U.S. military and veterans can ride free to Put-in-Bay on the Jet Express and the Miller Ferry from Saturday through Monday.