US Navy Commemorates Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial

The United States Navy and the Naval Historical Foundation celebrated 200th anniversary the Battle of Lake Erie by hosting a series of events at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, Sept. 10.

The museum events in the morning and afternoon gave visitors a glimpse of Navy life during the War of 1812 and treating them to guided tours, serenading them and introducing them to one of the more famous figures of the time. Later in the evening, The Naval Historical Foundation offered guests a thoughtful retrospective with music, a look at Navy war games and a discourse on the Battle of Lake Erie by Vice Adm. Michelle Howard, Deputy CNO For Operations, Plans, And Strategy.

The Battle of Lake Erie was a pivotal point in the War of 1812. Oliver Hazard Perry’s victory over the British naval squadron during the battle allowed the United States to take control of part of British-controlled Canada to use as a bargaining chip to secure concessions from England regarding violations of neutral trade.

Howard spoke to the assembled guests as she reminisced about the time of the war.

“We started our own commemoration of the War of 1812 over 18 months ago. Think about where we were six seasons past, and how much has changed in our lives. Had we been fellow citizens of the Madison’s we would have been recovering from the burning down of Washington, the loss of U.S. ships and lives to the British in battle and a humiliating surrender by our Army in the great lakes region. Ten September was a salve to the American spirit.”

While she readily admits the victory that Perry won was a great one for both the Navy and the American morale she also believes that in terms of skill, Sailors of today far outstrip Perry’s crews

“I think I’m pretty darn lucky. Let’s not look at Perry the officer, but Perry the captain of his crew. He literally had a motley crew. I think that what we have today, that Perry didn’t have, is professional Sailors, with a war fighting ethos and a high level of competence and skill sets.”

She also sees a lesson from our former adversaries in that key battle that can be used today.

“We are now closer to the redcoats in the strategic implication of the War of 1812. We have the Navy that dominates the seas. Our Navy can project power across the ocean and our ships and people are considered the standard for other navies to emulate. Our current defense strategy recognizes the importance of partners and allies in working to prevent war and to strengthen the fighting should war occur.

Howard points to the relationship between the British and the native Americans and how it is similar to relationships we have today with foreign allies.

“They live in the area and conflict will impact their family and lives. If our friends lose their territory there is no place to fall back to. Conflict to that home team means the risk of losing their country, winning the conflict is tied to their survival.”

She described to the audience how the relationship disintegrated due to the British failing to support their allies, infighting and not recognizing the abilities of the chief of the Native American tribes, Tecumseh. That was the real death knell to the war.

“So understanding our partners and peers, who they are and what they stand for, is essential to the fight,” Howard said.

The museum events began in the morning with Naval History and Heritage Command curator Edward Furgol giving visitors a tour of the museum’s newest exhibit “1813:Don’t Give Up The Ship!” The exhibit feature many scenes and armaments of the lake battles including the Battle of Lake Erie.

The Ships Company and Ships Company Chantymen entertained visitors with a selection of chanteys from the time period and Ship’s Company let visitors participate as they showed them the process of loading one of the real cannons in the museum’s replica of the USS Constitution’s gun deck.

“Our purpose is preserve naval heritage through living history,” said Tom Pyzatk, a Ship’s Company performer. “The museum was kind enough to invite us here today.”

One of the visitors was particularly impressed by the cannon loading and firing process.

“I’m from Ohio so the battle was kind of close to home,” said Katherine Ball, a museum visitor. “I’ve been to the lake and looked at stuff with my parents. I know the story so it was really neat to get to see it and experience it firsthand. I liked the cannon demonstration because I got to join in on it. So it was a lot of fun.”

Visitors were also given the chance to listen in on a lecture about the momentous battle by NHHC historian Charles Brodine. One of the details of the battle he discussed surprised Bell as well.

“I didn’t realize how sick everyone was on the British ships.” Bell said. “I thought it was a battle, and everyone was just there and ready to go. But, no, it wasn’t that way at all.”

During the early events, a historic portrayal Mrs. Dolly Madison, first lady to fourth president James Madison mingled with visitors adding her own, unique, viewpoint on the War of 1812 and giving commentary about the people and culture of those times.

“Like any war Dolly approached it with a sense of trepidation, but with fierce patriotism,” Lee Jamison who gave the living history performance as James Madison’s First Lady said. “Though she was raised a Quaker she believes that when you are pressed into a corner and find yourself assailed you should be an advocate for fighting. We had established ourselves, claimed our sovereignty and she very much felt that we should do anything it took to maintain that.”

The night ended with the Colonial Music Company giving a poignant performance of music from the 1800s on violin, guitar and harpsichord as guests took part in a game of chance and strategy playing as either the British squadron or the American squadron in the Battle of Lake Erie war game.

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Press Release, September 12, 2013; Image: US Navy