Originally made up of 23 separate districts, including the larger communities of Wheatley, Thamesville, Wallaceburg, Tilbury, Dresden and the City of Chatham, Chatham-Kent officially became a municipality on the first day of 1998. Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron define Chatham-Kent's borders and are largely responsible for the mild weather experienced all year long. Unbeknownst to many, Chatham-Kent has a colourful history. The Chatham-Kent Museum preserves artifacts from the War of 1812 that were found in the area, as well as remnants of the underground railway, where thousands of fugitive slaves were smuggled to freedom. The underground railway and the plight of the refugees is remembered at Uncle Tom's Cabin Historical Site, which commemorates the struggle of Reverend Josiah Henson and other former slaves during their battle for emancipation. Sunken British gunboats have also been found in the Chatham-Kent area, adding to its historical significance.