Battle of Lake Erie Song Activity

The poem To Anacreon in Heaven has a big role in America’s history – do you recognize it? To Anacreon in Heaven, where he sat in full glee, A few sons of harmony sent a petition, That he their inspirer and patron would be; When this answer arrived from the jolly old Grecian: Voice, fiddle, and flute, no longer be mute, I'll lend you my name and inspire you to boot And besides I'll instruct you like me to intwine The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine. Smithsonian Institute:

Here is the poem put to music – raise your hand when you recognize it To Anacreon in Heaven Smithsonian Institute:

To Anacreon in Heaven This was a popular English tune written around 1775 by John Stafford. To Anacreon in Heaven was a popular song and waltz! Yes, this melody would become our National Anthem. Smithsonian Institute:

New National Anthem Activity! If Francis Scott Key can write a poem about a battle from the War of 1812, so can we! And just like Key’s poem, you will set yours to the tune of a popular modern song!

New National Anthem Activity Your Task: You will write a new National Anthem based upon a poem you create about the Battle of Lake Erie. You will work in groups. Must have at least one verse Set your new National Anthem to the melody of a modern pop song.

The Battle of Lake Erie Overview The Battle of Lake Erie was a pivotal naval engagement between British and American forces during the War of Ohio History Central:

The Battle of Lake Erie Overview At the beginning of the War of 1812, the United States sent Oliver Hazard Perry to command the American forces on Lake Erie. September 1813, Perry set sail for Put-In Bay to meet the British fleet - The British were expecting an easy victory. Ohio History Central:

The Battle of Lake Erie Overview On September 10, 1813, the Battle of Lake Erie took place. Early in the battle, the British were taking a heavy toll on the American ships. When the British destroyed Perry’s flagship Lawrence, he took the ship's flag and transferred to the Niagara. After Perry moved to the Niagara, the battle began to turn for the Americans. Ohio History Central:

The Battle of Lake Erie Overview The Niagara and Perry inflicted heavy cannon fire on the British ships. The commander of every British ship was killed or wounded, leaving the British ships under the command of junior officers with limited experience. Perry took advantage of this situation. The Niagara rammed the British lead ship while the sailors fired rifles at the British seamen. By nightfall, the British had lowered their flag and surrendered to Perry, who was only twenty-seven years old. Perry sent a dispatch to General William Henry Harrison, recounting the details of the battle. In the dispatch, he wrote, "We have met the enemy, and they are ours." Ohio History Central:

Activity Time! Break into groups. You will be receiving a paper about the Battle of Lake Erie for you to refer to as you are writing your poem. When you have written your poem, set it to music and complete the Battle of Lake Erie National Anthem worksheet.