Battles & Campaigns · 1813
Siege of Fort Meigs
Perrysburg, Ohio, USA
What happened
Harrison's soldiers had built Fort Meigs on the Maumee River, with thick earth walls to protect against cannon fire. Procter's guns bombarded the fort, but the earthworks limited the damage. On 5 May an American relief force arrived and fighting broke out outside the fort, and on 9 May Procter gave up the siege.
Why it matters
The fort's survival kept alive Harrison's plan to retake Detroit and invade Upper Canada. When it was built, it was the largest wooden-walled fort in North America.
What came next
The British tried again in July but failed, then were driven back at Fort Stephenson. Harrison's army went on to win at the Thames in October 1813.
Did you know?
The Ohio Historical Society rebuilt Fort Meigs in the late 1960s, and its museum opened in 1974.
Timeline
- Feb 1813Harrison's soldiers begin building Fort Meigs.
- 1 May 1813The British bombardment begins.
- 9 May 1813Procter abandons the siege.
- Jul 1813A second British siege fails.
- 5 Oct 1813Battle of the Thames.