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War of 1812 Website HMS Shannon and the USS Chesapeake locked in battle.(by Thomas Buttersworth c1815)
HMS Shannon and the USS Chesapeake locked in battle.(by Thomas Buttersworth c1815)

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Mohawk (Kanien'kehá:ka) Warrior, 1812. The head was cast from a member of the Six Nations of the Grand River.  This Life-like figure was created by Access Heritage Inc and can be seen at the Battle of Crysler's Farm Visitor Centre.  Photo: R. Henderson


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Articles
Crazy Things Done to Fail a British Medical Examination in the Napoleonic Wars  
Putting wax on your teeth and burning your gums to look like Scruvy? Some did not want to serve in the British Army and had both creative and dangerous ways to get out.
 

"Good Morning" Waking up as a British Soldier in 1812.  
What was it like to be in the army?  What was their morning routine and their duties?

 

 

The Battle of New Orleans, 1815
Was the American victory at New Orleans proof of U.S. army superiority on the world stage, as claimed at the time? 

 

 
Hunter, Hero and Friend: The British Soldier's Dog in the Napoleonic Wars
Stories of man's best friend in barracks, on the march, and under fire.   
 
Gaining an Advantage: An Experimental Brown Bess in Action at the Battle of Plattsburgh, 1814
A rare occurrence of the use of an experimental weapon in battle.  Half a company of British light infantry were armed with them.
 
The First American Invasion of Quebec in the War of 1812
The last effort to invade Canada in the year 1812 was launched by American forces in November and only a small band of Canadians and Mohawk warriors stood in their way.
 

The Battle of North Point
A key turning point in the Chesapeake campaign, U.S. forces inflict heavy casualties on the British, forcing them to abandon their hopes of capturing Baltimore.

 

 
Drink Up! Alcohol and the British Soldier in the Canadas during the War of 1812
An interesting study of rum rations, regulations, and the rowdy soldier.
 
 

 

"Rape, Murder and Pillage" The Crimes of Britain's Foreign Companies in Virginia
What happened and why in the summer of 1813 when a group of ex-French prisoners of war landed on Virginia's quite shores.

Patriots or Traitors? The Leaking of Secret U.S. War Plans to the British in 1812
Shocking revelations from a U.S. war-hero-turned-British-spy implicating Federalist politicians opposed to the war as his accomplices.

The Siege of Fort Erie
U.S. forces successfully defend their foothold on the Niagara Peninsula and inflict heavy casualties on the British Army at Fort Erie in 1814.

Full of Confidence" The Dramatic American Attack on Kingston Harbour in 1812
In November 1812 U.S. Commodore Chauncey took his fleet out on Lake Ontario looking for a fight.  What happened would have ramifications on the rest of the war. 

A Serious and Alarming Mutiny: the Michigan Fencibles at Fort McKay 1814 
An interesting event at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin after the British capture of that territory.

The American Attack at Frenchtown on the River Raisin, January 18, 1813
The dramatic running battle fought by the Essex Militia and natives defending their post has been forgotten by most. Hopefully this article changes that unfortunate fact.

Incredible Selection of Muskets and More

The Long Road to a National War of the 1812 Monument
As National Monument project historian, Mr Henderson unlocks the bumpy road to an 1812 monument on Parliament Hill.  It is clear, generations of Canadians wished this.

Christmas Season during the War of 1812
Christmas and New Year's Day customs, decorations, and celebrations by soldiers during the war. 

 

Artefact Corner

Royal Artillery Gunner's Sword of the War of 1812 
There has been confusion in the past on how the Royal Artillery were armed and accoutred in the war.  This historical description helps to clear up this matter. (it also promotes a reproduction of it).

American Eagle Head Officer's Sword, 1812
One of the many variations of the Eagle Headed swords used in the American army and navy during the War of 1812. (Page also promotes a reproduction of it).

French Patterns of Swords used by the U.S. Navy and Army, 1812
Oliver Perry's French pattern sword is illustrated here along with its use by others in the War of 1812. (Page also promotes a reproduction of it).

Brief Notes on a British 1804 Pattern Cartridge Box in Canada
The author captures the challenges of identifying, and acquiring artefacts from the War of 1812 and then piecing together the provenance of that item.

Famous 95th Rifles Sabre on Sale

Book Review

A Most Warlike Appearance: Uniforms, Flags and Equipment of the United States in the War of 1812 by René Chartrand  
It is back and is much improved!  After two decades of being sold out, this important resource has been updated and re-published.  Hopefully it will not sell out as quickly as in 1992.

Excerpt from "Desperate Bravery" The Last Invasion of Quebec, 1814
by Robert Henderson
 

Video Documentaries

Dramatic "The Fight For Canada" 1812 Commerical

Staff of our sister site MilitaryHeritage.com provided ALL the historical elements of this production, along with training and production design advising. See also Heritage Film Services

 

 

 
US Regiment of Infantry at the Battle of the Chateauguay (Parks Canada)  

 

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The War of 1812 Website. You are amongst over a thousand visitors who explore this site daily.   This "1812 experience" is comprised of numerous articles, quality book reviews and offers, extensive links, and the largest collection of War of 1812 images on the internet.   Event listings, news and unit websites dealing with the exciting reenactment hobby can also be found here.  Make your computer come alive with the sounds of the past by visiting our sound clip gallery.  If you are up to the challenge, test your knowledge of the War of 1812 by taking one of our quizzes.   Finally for the armchair general we provide unique animated battle maps that give you a quick understanding of a particular clash of arms during the war.