Noon on June 18th marked the 200th anniversary of the start of the War of 1812. Though the war may not be the most famous in history, it played a vital role in the development of Logan County.
A ceremony was held on the lawn of the county courthouse Monday to recognize the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Logan County Historical Society President and American Legion Commander David Wagner (pictured left) led the event.
Listen to David Wagner talk about the history of the War of 1812.
Local historian Ron Irick then spoke about the history of the start of the War of 1812 and how Logan County played into the action. Irick mentioned how the Greenville Treaty line, which is just north of Bellefontaine, was the border of the United States at the time. Irick’s message for the citizens of Logan County was “Remember the forgotten war and what really happened here.”
There was much unrest on the American frontier at the time and the British were still giving problems to most of the country in the less than thirty years after its birth. As a result, President Madison went to Congress to declare war at noon on June 18th, 1812.
Logan County is very rich in history from the War of 1812. Many scouts from Zanesfield and men from other local communities joined General William Hull’s army as they set out from Urbana to go to Detroit. Although Hull’s Trace ended in defeat, Logan County became a focal point of action and traffic as one of the northern territories of the United States at the time.
The War of 1812 ended in 1815 and Logan County was founded in 1817, partially because of the impact the war had on the area.
Featured during the commemoration ceremony was the raising of a replica U.S. 15-star flag 
(pictured right) by Boy Scouts led by Ron Irick. The Star Spangled Banner was the country's flag 200 years ago and is the reason for our national anthem, which was written during the war. The special flags were sent to all Ohio counties by the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission in order to be raised at noon.
The Logan County Honor Guard gave a 21-gun salute along with the sounding of taps. Finishing the ceremony was the ringing of the counties Ohio bicentennial bell 18 times.
The Logan County Historical Society along with the Logan County Commissioners and the Ohio War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission encourage remembrance of the War of 1812 in all 88 counties on this very special date.
Listen to Todd McCormick, Logan County Historical Society Curator/Director, talk about the event.
