On this day in 1813, the British sneak across the Niagara River. They would capture the American garrison at Fort Niagara the next day,...

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...

On this day in 1814, the British begin bombarding Fort McHenry. Famously, a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key watched the battle from...

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

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...

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...

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

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

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...