The 1812 Peace Garden, which commemorates the War of 1812, was erected by the Tecumseh Area Historical Society Thursday 06/21/2012. The town was named in honour of Tecumseh, Shawnee chief, who was leader of a First Nations confederacy and military leader in the War of 1812. The 1812 Peace Garden is a component of the Tecumseh Parkway, driving route running along the Thames River that will connect many sites of cultural, historic, natural and commercial interest. The parkway includes a number of stops at significant sites along the route, including the Tecumseh monument near Thamesville which marks the site of the Battle of the Thames, in which the legendary Shawnee Chief was killed. Along the route are various sites, including Tecumseh Park in Chatham, where encamped British troops successfully skirmished with the advancing Americans.