During more ‘recent’ times Ottawa Chief Pontiac and the ‘Pontiac Conspiracy’ was a very important event in this area. He conquered several Forts from present day Michigan to Pennsylvania.' Fort Sandusky near present day Cold Creek was taken in 1763 by Pontiac’s allies based on Marblehead.

Tecumseh, perhaps one of the greatest of all American Indians, was a frequent visitor to the general area. The final battle to end the Native American hold on lands in the Ohio Country was their defeat at Fallen Timbers, near present day Toledo.

Later, during the War of 1812, a young American Admiral defeated a superior British fleet in what has become know as “The Battle of Lake Erie”. It was soon after this conflict and the Battle of the Thames (in which Tecumseh was killed), that the young United States was a real factor at the negotiating table and the final settlements placed Ohio in the United States. Had Perry lost, it is a good bet Ohio would be in Canada today.

Still later the area played a key role in the famous ‘Underground Railroad’ People were ‘spirited’ across Lake Erie from Sandusky, after a long trek from southern plantations, to Canada. Bois Blanc (Bob-Lo) Island was a favorite destination point.

Also on Johnson Island in Sandusky Bay was a prisoner of war camp for Confederate officers. Conditions were abominable and there is a cemetery there to this day.

In World War I, sub chasers were built in Port Clinton and Ordinance was researched and developed on the southern coast near present day Camp Perry.

Yes the area is very rich and you can feel a part of it. What is mentioned here is only a small fraction of the exciting chronology you will participate in if you opt for an historical cruise with NorthStar Charters.