School Dean and Navy Veteran to Discuss Battle Fleet's Formation

Published 09.13.2007

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School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies News

Colin W. WilliamsonColin W. Williamson, Penn College's dean of transportation technology and a 20-year Navy commander will discuss "The Construction of the U.S. Fleet for the Battle of Lake Erie" at 2 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Society, 858 W. Fourth St.

During the first year of the War of 1812, control of the Great Lakes meant control of all the surrounding territories. As of 1813, Great Britain controlled all of the upper Great Lakes and Lake Erie, and American hopes for regaining control of the Northwest Territories centered on regaining control of the lakes by force. A fleet was needed quickly and had to be built on the frontier of Pennsylvania.

During his PowerPoint presentation, Williamson will explain the importance of this battle and describe the circumstances surrounding the fleet's construction.

Williamson served as a Surface Warfare Officer, where his interest in naval history began. He received bachelor's and master'sdegrees from the University of Pennsylvania.