Adele S.

Chatham, Ontario

Thames Valley Regional Fair

War of 1812 - Battle of the Thames

In my project, I will be focusing on the Battle of the Thames and how its bicentennial is being celebrated including talking to local historians about the battle and the municipality's Heritage Coordinator.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

I learned that the American soldiers camped on my family's farm on October 4, 1813, the night before the Battle of the Thames. This makes me look at the field with a greater appreciation other than just another farmer's field. A interpretive plaque will be placed at our farm as part of the Tecumseh Parkway. It is part of the bicentennial celebrations of the War of 1812 and consists of various significant historical sites within Chatham-Kent.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I want Canadians to learn about and remember the War of 1812, Battle of the Thames and the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh who gave his life for a cause he believed in.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

The people in my project fought to maintain their independence. Today, we are not at war with our neighbour, the United States. Not only was our country at war, it was at a time where the settlers were struggling to survive the hardships of pioneer life. What little they had was often taken away by the American soldiers.