There are so many historical sites to explore in and around Maumee, Ohio. From exploring old battlefields to wandering through museums filled with artifacts that tell the history of northwest Ohio, there is something for everyone. If you’re a history buff, love learning about the area, or are looking for family-friendly activities, check out some of our favorite places to explore.
Fort Meigs
Fort Meigs was first built during the War of 1812 in what is now Perrysburg, Ohio, overlooking the Maumee River rapids. Ground was broken for the fort in February 1813 to fortify the region against British attacks on American forts. The fort successfully withstood two separate sieges by combined British, Canadian, and Native American forces during the war. Experience history coming alive as muskets crack during the many historical reenactments that Fort Meigs hosts each year.
Visit the Fort Meigs museum to learn about the War of 1812 and Fort Meigs’ role during the war as well as the history of the early Native inhabitants of the area, and find out how archeologists have been able to discover what happened at this historical site. Lovers of history will enjoy the Fort Meigs Military Roundtable, a series of lectures throughout the year, and the history book club.
The Wolcott Heritage Center
The Wolcott Heritage Center is a museum complex that hosts eight buildings that reflect different periods in the history of Maumee and the surrounding area. Built-in Greek Revival style around 1840, the Frederick House also serves as the museum’s welcome center.
The most impressive building is the Wolcott House, built by James Wolcott, who made his fortune in shipping, and his wife Mary Wells Wolcott, the house started as a two-room log house and was eventually expanded into its current 14-room “mansion” style by 1836. The Wolcott House is built in the Federal/Classic Revival style and looks over the Maumee River, where Wolcott’s steamships once operated.
The Wolcott Heritage Center holds an extensive historical doll collection and also hosts exhibits related to the region’s history. The Maumee Memorabilia Museum on-site also has a number of fascinating objects that tell the history of Maumee.
Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis
Fort Miamis was constructed in spring 1794 by British forces with the support of the Indian Confederation to secure the Maumee Valley against General Anthony Wayne’s Legion of the United States’ advance towards Detroit.
The 1783 Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the Revolutionary War, included a provision allowing the British to remain in the Northwest Territory while the United States sought to resolve a land issue with Native allies of the British. In 1791, a federation of Native American forces under Chief Little Turtle dealt General Anthony St. Clair’s American troops a stunning defeat. The Battle of Fallen Timbers at Fort Miamis in 1794 was a decisive moment in resolving U.S. jurisdiction in this area.
Whether you’re a history buff or a newbie to history, you will love visiting these sites and museums to learn more about local history. Check out three of our favorite historical places to explore near Maumee.
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