Local driving tour explores America's history

FREMONT — A new five-county historical driving tour — Tracking the Troops, Tippecanoe, & Perry Too — in northwest Ohio has officially launched as part of the America 250 commemoration. The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. with communities across the country participating in the milestone. A self-guided driving tour spans Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Wood and Wyandot counties and follows the route of General William Henry Harrison during the War of 1812. The tour: • Highlights sites connected to the War of 1812, such as forts ordered by Harrison along the route, as well as other nearby sites of historical significance • Provides residents and visitors with a structured way to explore those locations • Represents a part of the broader America 250 initiative, which recognizes the nation's semiquincentennial in 2026 While national in scope, this tour focuses on northwest Ohio's historical role, particularly events tied to the War of 1812 and early settlement. Participants can access tour information, maps and site details at driveamerica250.com. The tour is self-guided and can be completed at an individual pace, allowing users to choose stops and routes based on interest and location. The tour will be available through the end of the year and features 18 stops. The driving tour was developed through collaboration among regional partners across the five counties, including the Seneca County Museum, Fort Meigs Historic Site, Ottawa County Historical Society, Wyandot County Visitors Bureau, Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, and Sandusky County Historical Society. The initiative aims to increase awareness of local history and encourage travel within the region. More information about America 250 activities in Seneca County, an official America 250-Ohio community, is available at DestinationSenecaCounty.org/America250.