HAL digs deep into 'The War of 1812 on Lake Ontario'

The Historical Association of Lewiston’s May program is titled, “The War of 1812 on Lake Ontario.” The event will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah Fellowship Hall, 915 Oneida St.

The U.S. ship “Constitution” was built in Boston in two and a half years during the late 1790s. The “Superior,” a U.S. ship nearly the same size of the “Constitution,” but with more guns, was built in 80 days at the Naval base at Sackets Harbor on Lake Ontario during the War of 1812. The speed with which the “Superior” was built demonstrates that, during the War of 1812, the U.S. and Britain were engaged in a shipbuilder’s war on Lake Ontario. Both countries felt that, by controlling Lake Ontario, they could control the other lakes and surrounding land.

Toby Jewett will discuss the types of vessels built, naval tactics in 1812, and activities on Lake Ontario during the War of 1812 (ending with the Rush-Bagot Treaty – the longest existing treaty in the U.S.). Jewett is a retired biology teacher, Old Fort Niagara board member, and junior sailing instructor with a lifelong love of American history. He has been a volunteer Tour Guide at Old Fort Niagara since 2002. A major focus of Jewett’s has been the War of 1812.

This community event is free and open to all, and refreshments will be served.

May is also HAL’s annual meeting. Dues-paying members will be able to vote on any changes to the constitution and for board of trustees candidates.