Fort Meigs Monument and Museum

Fort Meigs is a War of 1812 battlefield located in the Toledo suburb of Perrysburg. This Toledo area attraction offers seasonal self-guided and private tours of the fort, a year-round museum, visitor’s center and gift shop, and special events throughout the year. Fort Meigs is not only a learning destination for area residents, but enjoyable for anyone interested in period artifacts and US history.

History:

The War of 1812, which was fought due to disagreements over rights of American sailors, trade restrictions, and the British support of American Indians preventing western expansion, included 2 battles at Fort Meigs.

Fort Meigs was built under the order of General William Henry Harrison on February 2, 1813 to serve as a supply station and a home for 2,000 men from Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Virginia awaiting an invasion of Canada.The fort was attacked by the British on May 1, 1813, but the General was ready with a number of troops, artillery and reinforcements on the way. After losing the battle, the British left for Canada. In July of 1813, the British attacked and failed again. After the battles had ended, the fort was dismantled and used to house supplies. In 1915 the fort burnt to the ground.

The Toledo area Hayes family purchased the land and used it to raise cattle. During his run for Presidency, William Henry Harrison visited the location and held a rally for his candidacy.A monument for the soldiers who died during the battles at Fort Meigs was erected in 1908. In the 1960s, Fort Meigs was reconstructed by the Ohio Historical Society and then opened to the public in 1974.

Visiting Fort Meigs:

The visitor’s center, museum and gift shop at Fort Meigs is open to the public year-round, while the fort itself is open from April to October. During the fort season, guides dressed in period costume are available to answer visitor questions, give weapon demonstrations and discuss Fort Meigs history. Self-guided tours are available with general admission and private tours can be scheduled for organization, church and school groups.

Events:

Events are held at Fort Meigs throughout the year focusing on a variety of historic activities. Many events require pre-registration by calling the Fort Meigs offices. Special events include:

• Hearthside Cooking Class
• War of 1812 Re-enactments
• Viking Re-enactments
• Miniature War Gaming
• So You Want to Be a Soldier Weekend
• Memorial Day Celebration
• Weapons Demonstrations
• Independence Day Celebration
• Period Music Performances
• Frontier Skills Weekend
• Garrison Ghost Walk
• Holiday Open House

Hours and Admission:

General admission to Fort Meigs is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors 60 and older, and $3 for students. Ohio Historical Society members and children 5 and under are free. During the months of November through March, discounted admission is available. Private tour admission for organization, church or school groups is $3 for students and chaperones and free for teachers. Special event and educational program admission varies - call the Fort Meigs offices for details.Fort Meigs is open Wednesday through Saturday from 930am to 5pm, Sunday from 12pm to 5pm, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Special event hours vary and Fort Meigs is open on all holidays except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

Contact Information:

Fort Meigs Monument and Museum
29100 West River Road
Perrysburg, Ohio 43552
419 874-4121
800 283-8916