Video: 'The War of 1812' (Sep. 13-14, 1814, at 1:36:28)

(Wednesday, September 14, 1814; during the Battle of Baltimore, part of the War of 1812) — American lawyer Francis Scott Key was inspired to begin writing the poem “Defence of Fort McHenry” (later “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the U.S. national anthem) today after witnessing how an American flag flying over the Maryland fort had withstood a night of bombardment by the British Royal Navy during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Continue reading Francis Scott Key begins writing poem later used for ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ 210 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Sep 14 1814) →

Video: 'The War of 1812' (September 10, 1813, at 55:48)

(Friday, September 10, 1813, first shot was fired, from Detroit, at 11:45 a.m. local time; during the Battle of Lake Erie, part of the War of 1812) — An American naval force commanded by Oliver H. Perry defeated the British in the Battle of Lake Erie today during the War of 1812. (Afterward, Perry sent the message, “We have met the enemy and they are ours.”) Continue reading ‘We have met the enemy and they are ours’: Battle of Lake Erie begins during War of 1812 210 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Sep 10 1813) →

Video: 'The War of 1812' (June 1, 1813, at 54:20)

(Tuesday, June 1, 1813, the two ships opened fire just before 6:00 local time; during the Capture of USS Chesapeake, part of the War of 1812) — The mortally wounded commander of the USS Chesapeake, American naval officer James Lawrence, gave the order “Don’t give up the ship” today during a losing battle off Boston Harbor with the British frigate HMS Shannon. Continue reading Mortally wounded commander of USS Chesapeake, Capt. James Lawrence, gives the order ‘Don’t give up the ship’ 210 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Jun 1 1813) →

Video: 'Battle of York 1813

(Tuesday, April 27, 1813; during the War of 1812) — The Battle of York took place today in Upper Canada as a U.S. force defeated the British garrison in present-day Toronto before withdrawing. Continue reading U.S. force defeats British garrison at Battle of York in present-day Toronto during War of 1812 210 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Apr 27 1813) →

Video: 'Famous Naval Battle War of 1812 USS Constitution vs HMS Guerriere'

(Wednesday, August 19, 1812, 2:00 p.m. local time; during the USS Constitution vs HMS Guerriere, part of the War of 1812) — The USS Constitution defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere today in a furious engagement off Nova Scotia during the War of 1812, earning the nickname “Old Ironsides.” Continue reading USS Constitution defeats HMS Guerriere off Nova Scotia during War of 1812 210 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 19 1812) →

Video: 'History Documentary The War of 1812' (Siege of Detroit at 26:41)

(Sunday, August 16, 1812; during the Siege of Detroit, part of the War of 1812) — British forces foiled plans for a U.S. invasion of Canada today by capturing the city of Detroit. Continue reading Detroit falls to British and Indian forces in War of 1812 210 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 16 1812) →

Video: 'History Documentary The War of 1812' (American forces invade Canada at 20:17)

(Sunday, July 12, 1812; during the War of 1812) — General William Hull led an invading American force of about 1,000 untrained, poorly-equipped militia today across the Detroit River and occupied the Canadian town of Sandwich (now a neighbourhood of Windsor, Ontario). Continue reading American forces invade Canada at Windsor, Ontario, during War of 1812 against Britain 210 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jul 12 1812) →