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:
http://americanhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/the-melody.aspx
Here is the poem put to music –
raise your hand when you
recognize it
To Anacreon in Heaven
Smithsonian Institute:
http://americanhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/the-melody.aspx
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:
http://americanhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/the-melody.aspx
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
1812.
Ohio History Central:
http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=476
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:
http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=476
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:
http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=476
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:
http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=476
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.