Member-only story

An Ode Read August 15, 1907 At The Dedication Of The Monument Erected At Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, New York, To Commemorate The Signal That Was Flown From This Fort By Major Sylvanus Thayer On August 15, 1813, Which Resulted In The Capture Of The

Gerald Parker

·16.2k Followers· Follow

Published in An Ode Read August 15 1907 At The Dedication Of The Monument Erected At Gloucester Massachusetts In Commemoration Of The Founding Of The Massachusetts In The Year Sixteen Hundred And Twenty

6 min read

121 View Claps

10 Respond

Save

Listen

On August 15, 1907, a monument was dedicated at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, New York, to commemorate the signal that was flown from this fort by Major Sylvanus Thayer on August 15, 1813. This signal resulted in the capture of the British fleet and the end of the War of 1812.

An Ode Read August 15 1907 at the dedication of the monument erected at Gloucester Massachusetts in commemoration of the founding of the Massachusetts ... in the year sixteen hundred and twenty

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2338 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	16 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

The following ode was read at the dedication of the monument:

O Fort Wadsworth, sentinel of the bay,
Thy walls have witnessed many a fray;
But never a day more glorious than this,
When we unveil thy monument of bliss.

For here, a century ago,
A signal flashed, a beacon's glow;
And Thayer's hand, with steady might,
Unfurled the flag that won the fight.

The British fleet, in proud array,
Rode at anchor in the bay;
But when they saw that signal gleam,
They knew their hour of doom had come.

For Perry's ships, with sails unfurled,
Swept down upon them like a whirlwind;
And in the fierce and bloody fray,
The British fleet was swept away.

Thus ended the War of 1812,
And peace returned to this fair land;
And Fort Wadsworth, ever since that day,
Has stood as a symbol of our nation's sway.

So let us raise our voices high,
In praise of Thayer and his victory;
And let this monument forever stand,
A tribute to his valor and his land.

The dedication of the monument was a significant event in the history of Fort Wadsworth and the city of New York. It is a reminder of the important role that this fort played in the War of 1812 and the subsequent history of the United States.

The monument is a beautiful and inspiring work of art. It is made of granite and bronze, and it features a statue of Major Sylvanus Thayer. The monument is located on the parade ground at Fort Wadsworth, and it is a popular destination for visitors.

If you are ever in New York City, be sure to visit Fort Wadsworth and see the monument to Major Sylvanus Thayer. It is a beautiful and inspiring tribute to a great American hero.

Major Sylvanus Thayer

Major Sylvanus Thayer was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, on June 9, 1785. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1808 and served in the War of 1812. He was promoted to major in 1813 and was assigned to command Fort Wadsworth.

On August 15, 1813, Thayer received a message from Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who was commanding the American fleet in Lake Erie. Perry was requesting Thayer to signal him when the British fleet appeared.

Thayer immediately ordered a large flag to be hoisted on the flagpole at Fort Wadsworth. The flag was visible for miles, and it served as a signal to Perry that the British fleet was approaching.

Perry's fleet intercepted the British fleet and defeated it in the Battle of Lake Erie. This victory was a turning point in the War of 1812, and it led to the eventual defeat of the British.

After the war, Thayer served as the superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is credited with reforming the academy and making it one of the leading military schools in the world.

Thayer died in South Braintree, Massachusetts, on September 7, 1872. He is buried at the West Point Cemetery.

Fort Wadsworth

Fort Wadsworth is located on the southern tip of Staten Island, New York. It was built in 1823 to protect New York City from attack by sea.

Fort Wadsworth was an important military installation during the War of 1812, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War. It was also used as a prison during the Civil War.

Fort Wadsworth is now part of the National Park Service. It is open to the public and offers a variety of educational programs and activities.

The War of 1812

The War of 1812 was fought between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815. The war was caused by a number of factors, including British interference with American shipping, British support for Native American tribes who were attacking American settlements, and American expansionism.

The War of 1812 was a significant turning point in American history. It marked the end of the British Empire's influence over the United States and the emergence of the United States as a major world power.

The War of 1812 was a bloody and costly conflict. More than 2,200 Americans were killed in the war, and more than 10,000 were wounded.

The War of 1812 ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent on December 24, 1814. The treaty restored peace between the United States and Great Britain and established the boundary between the United States and Canada.

An Ode Read August 15 1907 at the dedication of the monument erected at Gloucester Massachusetts in commemoration of the founding of the Massachusetts ... in the year sixteen hundred and twenty

4.5 out of 5