War of 1812

This Day in History: The War of 1812, the “forgotten” war

On this day in 1812, President James Madison signs a declaration of war against the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. His...

This Day in History: British capture Fort Niagara

On or around this day in 1813, the British launch a plan to raze a series of New York towns and villages. They’d just captured Fort...

This Day in History: The Tornado that "Saved" Washington

On this day in 1814, a fire rages through Washington, D.C. Our country was then still in the grips of its second war against Great...

This Day in History: Old Ironsides is launched

On this day in 1797, Old Ironsides is launched! “Old Ironsides” is the nickname that was given to the USS Constitution, one of the first...

This Day in History: Dolley Madison saves Washington’s portrait

On this day in 1814, First Lady Dolley Madison saves a full-length portrait of George Washington from British troops. She also saved some...

This Day in History: Andrew Jackson defeats the British at New Orleans

On this day in 1815, Americans defeat British forces at the Battle of New Orleans. Did you know that we used to celebrate January 8 as a...

This Day in History: The War of 1812 & a British siege of Fort Erie

On this day in 1814, the British besiege Fort Erie. It had been mere days since American and British forces had clashed at the Battle of...

This Day in History: The Bloodiest Land Battle in the War of 1812

On this day in 1814, Americans consider renewing a battle that had begun the day before, but they decide to retreat instead. The Battle...

This Day in History: Congress, the U.S. Capitol — and a tornado!?

On this day in 1800, Congress meets for the first time in the U.S. Capitol. Congressmen wouldn’t get to stay for too long. Did you know...

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