War of 1812

Nearly 200 years ago one of the most important events in American and British history happened along the banks of the Thames River right here in present-day Chatham-Kent.

A monument, museum and national historic site commemorate Chatham-Kent’s significant involvement in the War of 1812.

On Oct. 5, 1813, American forces led by Brigadier General William Henry Harrison defeated the combined British and Native forcesand killed Shawnee Chief Tecumseh in the historic Battle of the Thames.

The death of Tecumseh was a significant event in American history as forces eliminated their greatest threat to U.S. security.

 Tecumseh’s death represented the loss of a dream for First Nations people and contributed to the highly regarded military leader becoming U.S. president. Although a monument is present across from the battlefield near Thamesville the location of his burial remains one of the great mysteries of the last two centuries.

Nearby Fairfield Museum and Historic Site occupies the land that was the first settlement of southwestern Ontario. Days after the 1813 battle, American forces invaded and burned the nearby Moravian village of Fairfield. Archaeological digs of the early 1940s form part of the artifacts of the Fairfield Museum collection as well as Moravian culture and the War of 1812. The museum site is designed so that visitors can walk where the actual village stood.

Tours

A guided half or full day bus tour offers groups a moving and memorable experience as they retrace the final steps of Chief Tecumseh in the days leading up to the 1813 Battle of the Thames. The tour stops at significant locations in history including present-day Tecumseh Park where Tecumseh’s forces held a skirmish at the Forks against American soldiers; the site of the historic Battle of the Thames where Tecumseh was killed; and Fairfield Museum and National Historic Site.

Regional Stakeholder Newsletter for 1812

South West Ontario was the site of some of the most significant sites, battles and personalities of the War of 1812 and in the coming years, the South West will be commemorating bicentennial the War of 1812. Chatham-Kent is working together with Windsor/Essex and Pelee Island to tell the story of the South West as it pertains to the War.

The 1812 South West Regional Newsletter will be the vehicle for stakeholders, community members and businesses to communicate and connect. As we move forward in the commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, this newsletter will provide updates on local events or sites, links to other regions, opportunities to participate and unique access to 1812 experiences. You will find the newsletter to the right of this page in the resource section.