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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 1999
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) today announced that the House passed her legislation that provides a national historic designation for the Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis. This legislation will establish the Fallen Timbers Battlefield, the Fallen Timbers Battlefield Monument and the Fort Miamis site as an affiliated unit of the National Park Service. Though remaining under the management of the Toledo Metroparks System, this national designation now opens the way for national affiliation, attention and interpretation of these areas as part of America's national heritage.
"Tonight's passage of the Fallen Timbers legislation marks the end of a long struggle to preserve the historical jewels of the northwest territory, the battlefield where Fallen Timbers was fought and won for the U.S. and the site of Fort Miamis. We first began efforts in 1991 to establish a heritage corridor along the Maumee River and Lake Erie. These battle sites rank among the top three in our nation for historical significance after Gettysburg and Yorktown.
"These sites are living records of our country's history. The Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794 ultimately gave the U.S. the City of Detroit and secured for settlement Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois -- much of the Northwest Territory for our young country. This decisive victory over the British was repeated at the Fort Miamis battle during the War of 1812.
"Every battle has its heroes -- this battle is no different. Dr. G. Michael Pratt from Heidelberg College has led the archaeological study that located the site. Jean Ward, the Toledo Area Metroparks director, has given so much time and dedication to this project. Steve Pauken, the former Mayor of the City of Maumee has given this initiative his heart and soul. Marianne Duvendack and the Fallen Timbers Battlefield Commission have worked tirelessly to ensure that our history is not lost. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Johnson also cannot be forgotten. They rallied our local support and ensured our major daily paper, the Toledo Blade, consistently supported our efforts."
"It was also a pleasure to work with Sen. Mike DeWine. His success in passing S. 548 this fall in the Senate with our bill in the House ensured that the history of our country will not be forgotten."
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Contact: Susan DiLiddo: 202-225-4146
Press release issued by the Office of United States Representative Marcy Kaptur.
Heidelberg College / Office of College Relations
/ webmaster@heidelberg.edu