The War of 1812 lasted from the American declaration of war on Great Britain in June 1812 to the ratification of the Treaty of Ghent in February 1815.

Each article in our Then & Now Journal consists of two parts. The “Then” portion describes events of the war in the same two-month time frame as 200 years ago. The “Now” portion highlights existing memorials, museums, battlefields, fortifications and other sites as well as various commemorative events. Space does not permit us to list every event, and so we encourage you to investigate what may be happening in your area or any event that may be of interest.

THEN

January: British construct defences on Bridge Island, Upper Canada, to shelter supply bateaux travelling on St. Lawrence River; construction begins on cavalry barracks at Blairfindie, between La Prairie and St-Jean, Lower Canada, to house 90 soldiers and 100 horses; gunboats constructed at Coteau-du-Lac fortifications, 40 kilometres southwest of Montreal; 217 British sailors from HMS Fantome and HMS Arab sail from Halifax to Saint John on way to reinforce crews of two ships being built at Kingston.

Alexander I of Russia

ILLUSTRATION: FRANZ KRÜGER, WIKIPEDIA.ORG

Jan. 9: Fifth American delegate travels to Europe to join four already there to begin peace negotiations with British through Czar Alexander I; British prefer to deal directly.

Jan. 10: Militia capture American patrol at Clough’s Farm near Missisquoi Bay, on Lake Champlain, Lower Canada.

Jan. 16-24: British conduct raids on Franklin County, N.Y., southeast of Cornwall.

Andrew Jackson

ILLUSTRATION: THOMAS SULLY, WIKIPEDIA.ORG

Jan. 22: Red Stick Creeks attack Andrew Jackson’s troops encamped about 20 kilometres from native village of Emuckfaw, Mississippi, but are driven off; Jackson sends troops to burn Emuckfaw, but soldiers return without attacking due to strength of village; Red Sticks attack Jackson again and are driven off; Jackson decides to retreat.

Jan. 24: Red Sticks attack Jackson’s force as it retreats across Enotachopco Creek, but do not press home their advantage and are driven off. Jackson’s total losses are 24 killed, Creeks lose 54.

Jan. 29-30: Residents of Saint John provide sleds and sleighs to transport Royal Navy sailors to Fredericton en route to the Canadas; British authorities announce fortification at Prescott, Upper Canada, will be named Fort Wellington.

Feb. 2-3: British sailors depart Fredericton for the Canadas.

Feb. 6: Small group of Royal Marines and militia from Cornwall raids Madrid, N.Y., south of present-day Morrisburg.

Feb. 14: After evading British blockade off Boston in January, Captain Charles Stewart of USS Constitution captures and burns schooner HMS Picton in West Indies.

Feb. 14-15: British conduct raids along Salmon River, N.Y., which empties into eastern Lake Ontario.

Feb. 17: Order issued completing reorganization of Prince Edward Island volunteer and militia units.

Feb. 19 & 24: British conduct further raids along Salmon River, plus Malone and Four Corners, N.Y.

NOW

Jan. 9 & 23: Regency style dancing, Niagara Falls History Museum, Niagara Falls, Ont.

Jean Lafitte National Historic Park-Chalmette Battlefield.

PHOTO: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

American troops (re-enactors) on the march at Jean Lafitte National Historic Park-Chalmette Battlefield.

PHOTO: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Jan. 10-11: 199th anniversary of Battle of New Orleans commemoration, Jean Lafitte National Historic Park-Chalmette Battlefield, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Jan. 18: 201st anniversary of Battle of Raisin River commemoration, Raisin River National Battlefield Park, Monroe, Michigan.

Feb. 13 & 27: Regency style dancing, Niagara Falls History Museum, Niagara Falls, Ont.