Born:
February 9, 1773
Died:
April 4, 1841
Place of Birth:
Charles City County, Virginia
Military University:
none
Wars Fought:
-War against the Northwest Indian Confederation
-War of 1812
War of 1812
In August 1812, following the declaration of war against Britain and William Hull's surrender of Detroit, Harrison was appointed brigadier general in charge of the Northwestern Army, and the following spring he was promoted to major general. Demonstrating a concern for logistics acquired during his apprenticeship under Wayne, Harrison fortified Fort Meigs at the Maumee Rapids southwest of Detroit and staunchly withstood two sieges by the British and Indians. After Lake Erie was cleared of the British by Capt. Oliver Hazard Perry, Harrison recaptured Detroit and pursued the enemy into Canada. On Oct. 5, 1813, his forces decisively defeated the British and Indians at Moravian Town on the Thames River. Tecumseh was killed, and the British commander, Gen. Henry Proctor, fled. Harrison's campaign ended the hostile Indian confederation and secured the northwestern border.
