Bill Text: MI HR0040 | 2015-2016 | 98th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the ending of the War of 1812.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 28-17)
Status: (Passed) 2015-03-19 - Adopted [HR0040 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2015-HR0040-Enrolled.html
Substitute for House Resolution No. 40.
A resolution to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the ending of the War of 1812.
Whereas, The War of 1812 was a defining event in the history and development of Michigan; and
Whereas, From June 1812 to July 1815, the Michigan Territory was on the front line of a conflict between the United States, Great Britain, and Native American tribes of the region; and
Whereas, The first land engagement of the War of 1812 on United States soil was the successful attack and capture of Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island, by British and Native American forces on July 17, 1812. One month later Fort Detroit fell to British troops as well. While American troops retook Detroit in 1813, they failed to re-capture Fort Mackinac as they were defeated during the Battle of Mackinac Island on August 4, 1814. British troops also scored a decisive victory in the battle of Frenchtown (Monroe) in 1813; and
Whereas, The “Peace of Christmas Eve,” the Treaty of Ghent ending the War of 1812 was signed in Belgium on December 24, 1814. The British government approved the document on December 27, 1814. After gaining the approval of the Senate and ratification by President Madison, the Treaty of Ghent took effect on February 16, 1815, marking the legal end of the War of 1812. The treaty mandated a postwar definition of the border between the United States and Canada, a task that was completed in the 1820s; and
Whereas, Rumors of peace reached Detroit by late February, However, official notification did not arrive until mid-March. Detroiters then planned a Grand Pacification Ball immediately following the end of Lent. On March 29, 1815, Detroiters gathered at Ben Woodworth’s Hotel to celebrate the end of the War of 1812. On March 28, 2015 the Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 with the Detroit Historical Society will host a commemorative “Grand Pacification Ball” to celebrate the end of the war; and
Whereas, The final transfer of Michigan Territory to the United States occurred on July 18, 1815 when United States troops peacefully reoccupied Fort Mackinac. On July 18, 2015, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission will commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of this event with the dedication of the Mackinac Island Peace Garden, which honors 200 years of peace between the United States and Canada along the longest unguarded border in the world; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the 200th anniversary of the ending of the War of 1812.
