War of 1812 Heritage Trail in Delaware-- Part 1: An Eagle Scout's Work

While looking up more information on New Castle, Delaware, in the War of 1812, I came across mention of this trail.

It is an eight mile hiking trail established recently by  Eagle Scout Conor Small of Troop 2540, Lewes, Delaware.  It is a tour of key locations and buildings used during the War of 1812, including the 1812 Memorial Park.

--Brock-Perry

New Castle, Delaware

From Wikipedia.

Named Fort Nieuw-Amstel after the Dutch captured it, but it in turn was seized by the British in 1664, when they seized the whole New Netherlands Colony.

Arsenal On the Green was built in 1809, a one-story, windowless building, erected in anticipation of war with England.   At the time, it housed weapons and ammunition.   It has had many uses since then and currently is the home of the New Castle Historical Society.

In 1830, it was no longer used for military storage, but did house soldiers while Fort Delaware was under construction..  During one cholera outbreak, it was used as a hospital.  Today it also houses a restaurant/banquet facility.

--Brock-Perry

Caleb P. Bennett-- Part 2: Colonel of Delaware Militia, Governor

In the War of 1812, he was a captain of artillery and commander of the town of New Castle where he erected a battery.  He was made colonel of the militia and made sure his men received enough training and discipline to be good soldiers.

But, their was a problem with brigadier general and Whig rival Thomas Stockton who brought Bennett up for court martial charging him with failure to do his duty, but it was not proved.

After the war Bennett was very involved in politics in Delaware.  he served as governor from 1833 to 1836 and died in office as had Joseph Haslet, becoming the fifth governor of the state to die in office.

He is buried at the friends Burial Ground in Wilmington, Delaware.

--Brock-Perry

Delaware's Joseph Haslet, War Governor-- Part 3: Rush to Lewes, Delaware

For protection against the British, an encampment was built at "The Rocks" in Wilmington, Delaware.  Captain Caleb P. Bennett fortified New Castle and Pea Patch Island was deeded over to the U.S. government so that a fort could be built on it.  That fortification eventually became Fort Delaware.

Lewes was particularly vulnerable to the British and received repeated requests/demands for provisions.  These were refused.

Governor Haslet and his militia rushed to the town's defense.

--Brock-Perry