Fort Madison, Iowa, Battlefield-- Part 2

In 2017, the Iowa Historical  Preservation Board approved the NLCHS' application for the War of 1812 Battlefield Park, which was then sent to the National Register of Historical Places through the National Park Service.

The designation that followed opened the door for more grant opportunities.

A monument marking the battlefield where 23 soldiers are buried was installed in 2019.  The granite monument includes a history of the military post on one side and the soldiers' names on another side.

A flag pole was also installed nearby and benches, sponsored with donations from families and individuals, were installed last year.

Next on the lkist of improvements will be walkways and landscaping.  They figure that will cost between $10,000 and $20,000.

Donations can be sent to the North Lee County Historical Society.

--Brock-Perry

Standing Tall on Lake Erie-- Part 1: Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial

From the Summer Hallowed Ground Magazine, American Battlefield Trust.

Just five miles south of the Canadian border, on an isthmus near downtown Put-in-Bay, Ohio, on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, stands a 352-foot-tall monument towering over the town and lake.  Free-standing, Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial is the world's tallest Doric column -- a plain, thick column that is a common sight at federal buildings throughout D.C..

The monument stands 47 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty when measuring  the New York Harbor landmark from the ground to the tip of Liberty's torch.

It is indeed a striking sight, usually simply referred to as Perry's Monument.  It is also the only international peace memorial overseen by the National Park Service.

However, it is so much more than these pieces of trivia.

--Brock-Perry

Did You Ever Wonder About Fort Worth, Texas?

On 1941, New York City restored the monument.  In 1995, the monument again underwent  an extensive restoration funded mainly by the Paul and Klara Porzelt Foundation and  U.S. Navy Commander (ret)  James A. Woodruff Jr.. Worth's great-great grandson.

He and his family have endowed  the maintenance of the monument and surrounding planting bed, through the Municipal Art Society's Adopt-A-Monument program.

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The cities of Fort Worth and Lake Worth in Texas are named after him.  Also the villages of Worth in Illinois and Worth in Kentucky.

Worth County in Georgia and Iowa are named after him.

The famed Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida, is named for the general as well.

Enough Said.  --Brock-Perry

William J. Worth-- Part 6: Worth Square, Manhattan

William Worth's remains were reinterred in a 51-foot granite monument on Worth Square on a traffic island between Fifth Avenue and Broadway at 25th Street  in New York City's borough of Manhattan.  It is the second oldest monument in New York City (the oldest is Cleopatra's Needle).

It was designed and built by James G. Batterson in 1857.

The monument's decorative bands are inscribed with the names of Worth's battles and attached to the front of it is a bronze equestrian relief of Worth.  The top of each spike of the cast iron fence surrounding the monument is topped with a plumed helmet he is wearing on the memorial plaque.  The main part of each spike is modeled after Worth's Congressional sword.

The American artist Thomas Hart Benton depicted the monument in his "New York: Early Twenties" painting  Worth Street (Manhattan) at the southern end of Little Italy, is named in his honor.

Quite an Important Early American Hero You Probably Have Never Heard Of Before.  --Brock-Perry

Some More On the Macdonough Monument in Plattsburgh-- Part 3: Great-Great Granddaughter to Speak

Thomas Macdonugh's great-granddaughter and Isabelle Verkaart Parlin's mother, Isabelle Agnes Macdonough, who was 11 at the time, unveiled the monument at its dedication in August 1926.  Her daughter will speak at this anniversary.

The monument is 135 feet high and topped by an eagle with a 22 foot wingspan.  It serves as a constant reminder of the great victory that was there and the lives lost.

The Macdonough Monument stands in the park directly across from the Plattsburgh City Hall.  The monument overlooks the Saranac River which glows into Cumberland Bay which is connected to Lake Champlain.

--Brock-Perry

Macdonough Monument in Plattsburgh, NY-- Part 2: Unveiled By His Great Granddaughter

The Plattsburgh Sentinel had this to say about the proceedings:  "Macdonough Monument Is Unveiled Before Thousands.  Hero of the Battle of Lake Champlain is Given Fitting Memorial in Honor of Glorious Deed in Defense of Plattsburgh and the Young Nation." 

The Plattsburgh Centenary Commission printed a booklet to mark the occasion.  A Macdonough descendant expressed gratitude.

Thanks to an allotment appropriated by New York state during the centennial celebration and matched by the federal government, the dream of a monument honoring the Battle of Plattsburgh, first proposed in 1886, was realized.

The young girl unveiling the monument on August 18, 1926, was 11-year-old Isabelle Agnes Macdonough, great-granddaughter of Commodore Thomas Macdonough, hero of the September 11, 1814, naval battle.  Of interest, Isabelle returned on September 9, 2001, to cut a ceremonial ribbon  at the door with Mayor Dan Stewart to mark the 75th anniversary of the monument.

Newspaper articles leading up to the big day of the monument's unveiling, August 18, 1926, emphasized that there was no admission fee for it, but come early as the commission could not guarantee seating for everyone.

And, I'd Never Heard of This Monument Before.  Well, before I started this blog, I had never heard of Thomas MacDonough or the Battle of Plattsburgh (I only knew of the Battle  of Lake Champlain.)--Brock-Perry

The Battle of Plattsburgh/Lake Champlain-- Part 3: John Russell Pope

John Russell Pope (1874-1937) designed the obelisk in downtown Plattsburgh as well as the 1917 City Hall across the street from it.

But, he is better known for designing the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.  The Jefferson memorial and City Hall share some stylistic similarities with the dome and columns.

The Plattsburgh obelisk was erected in 1926 and features the name of each of the major American ships in the battle on each side:  Eagle, Saratoga, Preble and Ticonderoga.  The names are accompanied by intricate reliefs and BOP-contemporary  uniforms.  (Not sure what BOP stands for.)

HOWEVER, in keeping with the current climate of destroying and defacing public monuments in the United States, the obelisk was recently vandalized on some of the reliefs.  The one for the Saratoga had anti-police sentiments painted on it, but since have been removed.

The eagle atop the monument has a twenty-foot wingspan is associated with local, college-town lore and nearly matches the length of the monument's base.

Even in Plattsburgh.  Hey, That Wasn't Even a Confederate Monument.  --Brock-Perry

Tuscarora Heroes Monument, Lewiston, New York

From Wikipedia.

Stands as testament of thanksgiving from the people of Lewiston to the Tuscarora Nation for saving the lives of dozens of local residents during the War of 1812 from British attack on December 19, 1813.  It consists of three 110% lifesize bronze statues that present a tableau of two Tuscarora men rescuing a local woman and her baby from the attack.

Thousands of spectators witnessed the unveiling ceremony of December 19, 2013, the bicentennial of the event.

The monument site has several symbolic aspects.    They are mounted on concrete in the shape of a turtle's back.    The Iroquois believe the earth was formed on a large turtle's back.  The turtle's head points toward an American flag representing the U.S.-Tuscarora alliance since the American Revolution.

Six northern white pines surrounding he monument represent the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy.  The Iroquois flag also flies at the site.

--Brock-Perry

Amherstburg Royal Navy Dockyard-- Part 5: Abandoned After the Battle of Lake Erie

Commander Robert Barclay's fleet met Oliver Hazard Perry's American fleet 10 September 1813 at the Battle of Lake Erie and the result was the capture of the entire British fleet.  With American control over Lake Erie and supplies cut off British land forces were forced to retreat to to Burlington Heights for supplies.

The yard was burned and abandoned in September 1813.  In 1814, a new Royal Navy Yard was established at Penetanguishene on Lake Huron.

The site of the Amherstburg Royal Naval Dockyard  was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1928.    The site has a four-sided monument featuring four brass  plaques detailing the site's historic significance and is located in a 10-5 acre park.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Mississauga and Stoney Creek Battlefield

FORT MISSISSAUGA  (1814-1870)

A two-story brick blockhouse.Keep, two powder magazines and earthworks were built to replace Fort George, which is still extant  on the municipal golf club property.  It was partially built with material from the Mississauga  Point Lighthouse that once stood here  from 1804 to 1814.

Garrisoned by 50 men in 1837.  The fort was disarmed in 1856, although troops were posted here again in 1861.

No public admittance to the blockhouse, but the grounds may be walked.

STONEY CREEK BATTLEFIELD

National Historic Site   Battlefield House and Museum

A British victory here  in June 1813 halted the American advance after the capture of Fort George.

The Battlefield House is the Gage House, built in 1795.  A 100-foot tall monument is also on the site.

Admission fee to park.  Operated by the City of Hamilton.

--Brock-Perry

The War of 1812 Forest Lawn Cemetery Monument

From Waymarking.

I looked all over to see if the Soldiers' Monument is still in Forest Lawn Cemetery and wasn't having much luck.  I did find that there was a Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the cemetery, but that one commemorates the Civil War.

But, I finally came across this and the accompanying picture matches the one from the 1860 drawing.  So, this must be the new name of the Soldiers' Monument.

The site says:  A Burial Monument  to War if 1812 soldiers, many in unmarked graves at this site.  The old burial site at Franklin Square was moved to Forest Lawn.

The monument notes 6  names of soldiers buried there.  Also the remains of 1158 persons buried  in this lot all of which were removed  from the old burial ground on the west side of  Delaware Street and Eagle Street in Buffalo, NY.

This lot at Forest Lawn Cemetery is designated Franklin Square, Section N City Lot 51.

Joseph Willcocks was buried at Franklin Square in an unmarked grave.  I assume  his remains  have been removed here with the rest of the soldiers and common citizens.

Alexander Williams' grave is by this monument.

--Brock-Perry

Alexander J. Williams-- Part 9: The Soldiers' Monument at Forest Lawn Cemetery

"...in commemoration of the several officers of the United States Army who were engaged in the War of 1812; also of a celebrated Indian chief (Red Jacket), and to mark the spot where the remains of over one thousand persons, which were removed from the city, lie buried.

"Near the monument *and seen in the foreground (of the line drawing of the monument) on the right is a tomb of brick, bearing a recumbent slab of marble, over the grave if Captain Williams, who lost his life at Fort Erie.

"The inscription on it is historical and briefly biographical."

--Brock-Perry

Alexander John Williams-- Part 8: Forest Lawn Cemetery and the Soldiers' Monument

Continuing with Fred Rickey's site.

This is an account from 1869 about the Soldiers' Monument and grave of Captain Williams at Buffalo's Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Accompanied by a drawing of the Soldiers' Monument.

"On the following morning [August 16, 1860] I rode out with Captain Champlin to a beautiful depository  of the dead in the suburbs of Buffalo, called Forest Lawn Cemetery.  The ground is pleasantly undulating, is much covered with trees of the primeval forest, and is a delightful resort during the heats of summer  for those who are not saddened by the sight of graves.

"There is an elevated open space, within ground  one hundred feet  square, slightly inclosed, stands a fine monument of marble, twenty-two feet in height, which was erected  by the corporate  authorities of Buffalo in the Autumn of 1852..."

--Brock-Perry

1872 Reunion-- Part 18: Still Honoring the River Raisin Dead

The mayor continued talking to the men of Kentucky:

"Beside you  are the noble band of pioneers whose strong will and sturdy hands have caused this wilderness to blossom  into such rich profusion, and they from their hearts do welcome you.  And so as they and all of us in our daily round of life-cares, duties and memories, think of the past and  and of you we remember that the battle cry of Kentucky and Ohio, under Green Clay at Fort Meigs, the gallant Croghan at Sanduskey. Harrison at the Thames, Jackson at New Orleans and in every field was Remember the River Raisin.

"We, of Monroe,  all honor to him whose patriotic heart and liberal hand gave impulse, have caught up the slogan of your youth and day: we will remember the River Raisin and have resolved in your presence, over the graves of  fallen braves,  to pledge that veneration for your toils and sacrifices still lives with us,  that gratitude to you and all the fathers of the Republic is as strong, quick and deep a sentiment with us as with our fathers.

"And so remembering the River Raisin, and you and your dead in our care and keeping, we will build a monument."

Quite the Flowery Speech.  --Brock-Perry

Custer and the War of 1812-- Part 2: Custer and River Raisin Massacres

George Armstrong Custer remembered the Raisin as well.  He spent much of his youth in Monroe, Michigan, the city that grew up along the River Raisin.

In 1871, he was photographed with War of 1812 veterans beside a monument to Americans slaughtered during and especially after the battle.

Five years later, George A, Custer also died fighting Indians, in one of the most lopsided defeats for U.S. forces since the River Raisin Battle 63 years before his massacre.

--Brock-Perry

Samuel Smith of Baltimore-- Part 1: Veteran of Two Wars

From the War of 1812 Archaeology blog.

Samuel Smith fought in both the American Revolution and the War of 1812.  There is a monument in Baltimore honoring him.

AMERICAN REVOLUTION and persevering defense.

On September  23, 1777, Lt. Col. Samuel Smith, 24, was ordered by General Washington, to take command of Fort Mifflin in the Delaware River, below Philadelphia.

Washington told him:  "The keeping of this fort is of very great importance, and I rely on your prudence, spirit and bravery for a vigorous and persevering defense."

Forts Mifflin and Mercer were important because they could help starve the British out of their newly captured Philadelphia.

However, Samuel Smith did not succeed in defending Fort Mifflin.  He was attacked and even when it became clear that he couldn't keep Fort Mifflin out of British hands, he refused to surrender.

--Brock-Perry

Wells and McComas Monument-- Part 2: Both Killed At Battle of North Point

Although evidence that they fired the shots that killed Robert Ross is scant, they have received credit for it.  There were other sharpshooters in their unit.  Regardless, the loss of General Ross was a heavy blow to the British.

Sadly, McComas and Wells could not confirm or deny the story as both were killed on the battlefield.  Two of the 24 who died at the Battle of North Point.

It wasn't until some 40 years after the battle that the two boys gained local celebrity status.  In the 1850s two military companies formed the Wells and McComas Monument Association and solicited subscriptions  from citizens to erect a monument in their honor.

They had the bodies exhumed from their vault in  Baltimore's legendary  Green Mount Cemetery and lay in state at the Maryland Institute building at Market Place.  Thousands came to pay their respects.

--Brock-Perry

Other Baltimore War of 1812 Monuments-- Part 3: The "Star-Spangled Banner" House and Wells-McComas Monument

**  The "Star-Spangled Banner" flag was designed and primarily sewn at Baltimore's Flag House.  The historic house was once occupied by Mary Young Pickersgill and her successful flag making business.

**  The Daniel Wells / Henry McComas Monument.  These two men were members of Captain Edward Alsquith's Militia Rifle Compnay and are credited with killing British General Robert Ross, who had led the sacking and burning of the Washington, D.C..

The monument was completed in 1873 and is made of Baltimore County marble.

--Brock-Perry

Other War of 1812 Monuments in Baltimore-- Part 2: Bomb and Rack Monument

**  The War of 1812 Bomb and Rack monument displays a shot fire from a British fleet that landed inside Fort McHenry during the bombardment.

On Redwood Street.  The bomb was found inside of Fort McHenry after the bombardment,  An officer retained it as a souvenir and eventually gifted it to iron merchant Michael Keyser who later gifted it to city.

The monument was dedicated in 1963 and was knocked over  during the Great Fire of 1904, and rededicated in 1906,  It sits at about the location of the Keyser building.

The rack, where the bomb sits, was used extensively to bend iron bars for Conestoga Wagons which were used extensively during the wagon train era.

--GreGen

Other Baltimore War of 1812 Monuments and Sites-- Parrt 1: Westminster Burying Grounds and Patterson Park

From Navy Bicentennial of the War of 11812, War of 1812 Monuments page.  Has sites across the U.S..  But I am dealing just with those in Baltimore.

WESTMINSTER BURYING GROUNDS AND CATACOMBS

Has the gravestones of many influential Americans, including many War of 1812 veterans.  Those who rest here include Brigadier General John Stricker, Major General Samuel  Smith and David Poe, Sr. (the grandfather of Edgar Allan Poe)

PATTERSON PARK

Three War of 1812 monuments are located in front of the Patterson Park pagoda.  J. Maxwell Miller's Star-Spangled Banner Monument depicts two school children holding a memorial scroll; the Rodgers' Bastion cannon commemorates the land battle where  Commodore Rodgers fought; and a row of five cannon represent the War of 1812 fortifications on Hampstead Hill (now part of Patterson Park)/

Brock-Perry