LEBANON — Canons boomed and bells tolled locally Monday in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

“The War of 1812 is often overlooked but it represent and important chapter in our nation’s history,” said Congresswoman Jean Schmidt, R-Cincinnati, at Warren County’s memorial service. “The War of 1812 crystallized American pride and showed we were a nation to be taken seriously.”

Ceremonies were held across Ohio, which was a key theater for the war.

For the ceremony, a specially made 15 star, 15 stripe flag — a replica of the flag flown by the U.S. during the War of 1812 — was flown in front of Warren County’s administration building. It was the same style flag the inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star Spangled Banner” after witnessing the U.S. triumph at the Battle of Fort McHenry, near Baltimore in 1813.

“The War of 1812 was the first major war for the United States as a new nation,” said Warren County historian John Zimkus. “We declared war on the most powerful nation in the world and showed the world the United States was a country to be reckoned with.”

Warren County served as a rendezvous point for soldiers in southwest Ohio, Zimkus said. The state itself was a frontline for battles, including the defense of Fort Meigs outside Toledo and the battle of Lake Erie, when the U.S. led by Commander Oliver Perry defeated a superior British naval fleet, Zimkus said.

“The war has a lasting impact and created a spirited new feeling of nationalism for Ohio and across the United States,” Zimkus said.

In recognition of the bicentennial of the war’s beginning, county Commissioner Dave Young read the proclamation of war against Britain and a mock cannon fired three rounds, symbolizing the war’s beginning. Bells around the county were rung at noon to mark the occasion.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.