Independence Day at Fort Meigs

Re-enactors and visitors celebrated Independence Day at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg, Wednesday, July 4, 2012. The celebrations and ceremonies included frequent mentions of the number 18, which represented the 18 states present in the union on July 4, 1813. CLICK ANY IMAGE TO VIEW FULL PHOTO, START SLIDE SHOW.

Mike Waskul raises his glass during a ritual where 18 toasts from the officers are given during the ceremonies and celebrations that took place at Fort Meigs on July 4, 1813.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Mike Waskul raises his glass during a ritual where 18 toasts from the officers are given during the ceremonies and ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Miranda Gelb, left, plays a a game of "9 pins" with Caleb Lamb, right, at Fort Meigs. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The pieces for a game of "9 pins" rest on at table at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Adam Sakel, left, explains the significance of of the ceremonies and celebrations that took place at Fort Meigs on July 4, 1813 including the playing of 18 pieces of music, 18 toasts from the officers, and 18 rounds fired from the cannons in honor of the United States. Eighteen was a very special number at this point in time - there were only 18 states in the Union during the War of 1812.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Adam Sakel, left, explains the significance of of the ceremonies and celebrations that took place at Fort Meigs on July ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Russell Strayer stays cool under an umbrella while watching the ceremonies and celebrations that at Fort Meigs. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Adam Sakel, center, welcomes visitors and explains the significance of of the ceremonies and celebrations that took place at Fort Meigs on July 4, 1813.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Adam Sakel, center, welcomes visitors and explains the significance of of the ceremonies and celebrations that took place at Fort ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Visitors watch the re-enactment of July 4th celebrations from 1813 at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Tony Szymanski stands with his rifle while smoke from a canon floats by. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Smoke from one of 18 rounds fired from the cannons in honor of the 18 United States of America. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Smoke from the cannon obscures onlookers at Fort Meigs during the Independence Day celebrations. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT