John D. Cimperman, President of the Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve, commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie, a key turning-point in American history that took place just 60 miles from here. After the United States won its independence, it found itself in a dangerous world without the protection of the Royal Navy. Between 1783 and the conclusion of the War of 1812, American shipping became prey to privateers around the world and close to home. Cimperman recounts our nation’s struggle for survival up until the lasting peace that was struck up between the United States, Canada and England in 1815.