Macon's Fort Hawkins hosts a ceremony Monday in honor of the fort's important role in the War of 1812, launched 200 years ago on June 18.

The Fort Hawkins Commission and the Major Philip Cook Chapter of the United States Daughters of the War of 1812 will dedicate a new historic marker that reveals the major importance of the fort during what is referred to as the nation's "Second War of Independence," according to a news release from the commission.

The fort off Emery Highway served as headquarters for the Georgia Militia and the U.S. Army in the southeast region.

Descendants of Major Cook, who served as fort commandant during the War of 1812, will be present for the 10:30 a.m. ceremony which features an address from archaeologist Dan Elliott.

Free tours of the fort's blockhouse replica will follow the ceremony.