Dr. John Perkins Briggs was the surgeon aboard the Saratoga on Lake Champlain during the War of 1812. Though the US was victorious in the Battle of Champlain on September 11, 1814, there were many casualties. Dr. Briggs was severely injured but continued to attend to the others aboard the ship for the duration of the battle. Some 200 years later, we’ll honor him at a brief graveside ceremony at Eastern Cemetery in Portland.

At this special event hosted by Spirits Alive, noted historian Herb Adams will address the importance of the Battle of Champlain, followed by the placement of a War of 1812 medallion at Dr. Briggs’ grave by one of his direct descendants.