From Wikipedia.
Map of the Upper Mississippi River in 1812, showing U.S. fortifications.
1. Fort Bellefontaine, U.S. headquarters at St. Louis.
2. Fort Osage on the Missouri River, west of St. Louis, abandoned 1813.
3. Fort Madison, defeated 1813 (north of where the Des Monies River flows into the Mississippi).
--Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Monday, July 17, 2017
Campbell's Island-- Part 2: An American Defeat
Three American gunboats were heading up the Mississippi River with military supplies for Fort Shelby at present day Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. One of the boats had 42 people in it, including soldiers of the 1st U.S. Infantry regiment and their families. The other two had 66 United States Rangers.
The Indians attacked and forced the Americans to turn back. The Americans lost eight killed in the 1st U.S. Infantry and sixteen wounded. Four Rangers were killed and eight wounded.
This defeat helped the Sauk Indians to maintain control over the Quad City area (Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa, and Moline and Rock Island, Illinois) for almost twenty more years.
The Campbell's Island State Memorial was dedicated in 1908.
--Brock-Perry
Friday, July 14, 2017
Campbell's Island-- Part 1: One of the Westernmost Battles
From Wikipedia.
Campbell's island is adjacent to the city of East Moline, Illinois and is connected to it by a bridge. It is the site of the Campbell Island State Memorial, overseen by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
During the War of 1812, it was the site of one of the western-most battles and is called the Battle of Rock Island Rapids. A band of Sauk warriors, allied with Britain clashed here with an American force led by Lt. John Campbell of the 1st Regiment United States Infantry.
--Brock-Perry
Campbell's island is adjacent to the city of East Moline, Illinois and is connected to it by a bridge. It is the site of the Campbell Island State Memorial, overseen by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
During the War of 1812, it was the site of one of the western-most battles and is called the Battle of Rock Island Rapids. A band of Sauk warriors, allied with Britain clashed here with an American force led by Lt. John Campbell of the 1st Regiment United States Infantry.
--Brock-Perry
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Plaque Dedication for 'Widow' Cole in New York-- Part 2
The plaque reads:
"On September 26, 1812 and from this site, some of the first shots of the War of 1812 fired by local militia at armed soldiers from the British schooner Lady Prvost.
When a small boat carrying the soldiers from the British ship was sighted rowing in pursuit of an American salt barge that had taken refuge at the mouth of Canadaway Creek, local citizen Celea Sampson "Widow" Cole rode her horse to the settlement of Canadaway (Fredonia) to secure reinforcements.
"Recognized as a War of 1812 heroine for her efforts to spread the alarm, the "Widow" Cole reportedly also carried food and water to the militiamen and melted her pewter dishes to make bullets for their use during the attack."
A heroine. --Brock-Perry
"On September 26, 1812 and from this site, some of the first shots of the War of 1812 fired by local militia at armed soldiers from the British schooner Lady Prvost.
When a small boat carrying the soldiers from the British ship was sighted rowing in pursuit of an American salt barge that had taken refuge at the mouth of Canadaway Creek, local citizen Celea Sampson "Widow" Cole rode her horse to the settlement of Canadaway (Fredonia) to secure reinforcements.
"Recognized as a War of 1812 heroine for her efforts to spread the alarm, the "Widow" Cole reportedly also carried food and water to the militiamen and melted her pewter dishes to make bullets for their use during the attack."
A heroine. --Brock-Perry
Plaque Dedication for 'Widow' Cole in Dunkirk NY-- Part 1
From the March 30, 2017, Observer "War of 1812 heroine: Plaque dedication to be held for Celea Sampson 'Widow' Cole.
A plaque will be placed at the Dunkirk Lighthouse & Veterans Park Museum in Dunkirk, New York (along Lake Erie). The State of New York Society, United States Daughters of 1812 will hold the dedication at 2 p.m., April 1, 2017.
Celea Cole was the wife of Seth Cole, the first settler in the Dunkirk area and a Revolutionary War soldier. He died in 1810.During the War of 1812, she served as a patrol to alarm neighbors of British attacks, fed soldiers stationed near her home. She even melted her pewter dishes and teapot to make bullets.
--Bock-Perry
A plaque will be placed at the Dunkirk Lighthouse & Veterans Park Museum in Dunkirk, New York (along Lake Erie). The State of New York Society, United States Daughters of 1812 will hold the dedication at 2 p.m., April 1, 2017.
Celea Cole was the wife of Seth Cole, the first settler in the Dunkirk area and a Revolutionary War soldier. He died in 1810.During the War of 1812, she served as a patrol to alarm neighbors of British attacks, fed soldiers stationed near her home. She even melted her pewter dishes and teapot to make bullets.
--Bock-Perry
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
General William Hull Invades Canada Today in 1812
Well, it all started off good enough and met with great success at first.
U.SA. forces led by General William Hull entered Canada during the War of 1812 against Britain.
Hull retreated back to Detroit shortly thereafter.
And, in August came the surprising surrender of his force.
A Major Debacle. --Brock-Perry
U.SA. forces led by General William Hull entered Canada during the War of 1812 against Britain.
Hull retreated back to Detroit shortly thereafter.
And, in August came the surprising surrender of his force.
A Major Debacle. --Brock-Perry
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Battle of Lundy's Lane
From Wikipedia.
This was where James Miller, who I have been writing about, gained his nickname, The Hero of Lundy's Lane.
Fought 25 July 1814 at present-day Niagara Falls, Ontario. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the war and one of the deadliest events ever to take place in Canada. It ended as a tactical draw, but a British strategic victory because the Americans suffered so many casualties.
The United States losses were 174 dead, 572 wounded, 79 captured and 28 missing, for a total of 853 casualties. Two of the American commanders, Jacob brown and Winfield Scott were wounded and Eleazor Ripley was killed.
The British lost 84 killed, 559 wounded, 169 captured and 55 missing for a total of 878.
Forces engaged were 3,500 for Britain and 2,500 for the United States.
--Brock-Perry
This was where James Miller, who I have been writing about, gained his nickname, The Hero of Lundy's Lane.
Fought 25 July 1814 at present-day Niagara Falls, Ontario. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the war and one of the deadliest events ever to take place in Canada. It ended as a tactical draw, but a British strategic victory because the Americans suffered so many casualties.
The United States losses were 174 dead, 572 wounded, 79 captured and 28 missing, for a total of 853 casualties. Two of the American commanders, Jacob brown and Winfield Scott were wounded and Eleazor Ripley was killed.
The British lost 84 killed, 559 wounded, 169 captured and 55 missing for a total of 878.
Forces engaged were 3,500 for Britain and 2,500 for the United States.
--Brock-Perry
Monday, July 10, 2017
USS Louisiana (1812): The Battle of New Orleans
From Wikipedia.
Sloop of war built in New Orleans, launched 1812, broken up in 1821.
341 tons, 99 feet long, 28-foot beam. Mounted sixteen 24-pdrs.
Originally built as a merchant ship for $15,510.
Commanded by Captain Charles C.B. Thompson.
From 23 December 1814, to January 8, 1815, fired on the advancing British troops in support of Andrew Jackson.
The lack of wind caused crew members to go ashore and they had to tow the ship upriver against the current.
Played a key role in the American victory at the Battle of New Orleans.
Sloop of war built in New Orleans, launched 1812, broken up in 1821.
341 tons, 99 feet long, 28-foot beam. Mounted sixteen 24-pdrs.
Originally built as a merchant ship for $15,510.
Commanded by Captain Charles C.B. Thompson.
From 23 December 1814, to January 8, 1815, fired on the advancing British troops in support of Andrew Jackson.
The lack of wind caused crew members to go ashore and they had to tow the ship upriver against the current.
Played a key role in the American victory at the Battle of New Orleans.
Saturday, July 8, 2017
James Miller-- Part 3: Superintendent of Indian Affairs Arkansas Territory
From the Encyclopedia of Arkansas.
Brigadier General War of 1812, 1st governor of Arkansas Territory. Superintendent of Indian Affairs Arkansas Territory.
Commanded the 21st U.S. Infantry. Distinguished self at the Battle of Lundy's Landing.
--Brock-Perry
Brigadier General War of 1812, 1st governor of Arkansas Territory. Superintendent of Indian Affairs Arkansas Territory.
Commanded the 21st U.S. Infantry. Distinguished self at the Battle of Lundy's Landing.
--Brock-Perry
James Miller-- Part 2: The Hero of Lundy's Lane"
James Miller joined the 4th U.S. Infantry in 1808. In 1811, he fought the Indians at Vincennes, Indiana where he was promoted to colonel.
In May 1812, he was posted to Detroit and commanded the American forces at the Battle of Maguaga. He was taken prisoner at the surrender of Detroit and later exchanged.
In 1814, he was the commander of the 21st I.S. Infantry and led his men in the capture of British artillery at the Battle of Lundy's Lane where his "I will try sir" comment became famous. He came away from the battle with the name "Hero of Lundy's Lane." For his service there, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and brevetted to brigadier-general.
--Brock-Perry
In May 1812, he was posted to Detroit and commanded the American forces at the Battle of Maguaga. He was taken prisoner at the surrender of Detroit and later exchanged.
In 1814, he was the commander of the 21st I.S. Infantry and led his men in the capture of British artillery at the Battle of Lundy's Lane where his "I will try sir" comment became famous. He came away from the battle with the name "Hero of Lundy's Lane." For his service there, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and brevetted to brigadier-general.
--Brock-Perry
Thursday, July 6, 2017
James Miller-- Part 1: First Governor of Arkansas Territory and War of 1812 Brigadier General
From Wikipedia.
When I was writing about William Whistler at the Battle of Maguaga, his commander was James Miller.
April 25, 1776 to July 7, 1851.
First governor of Arkansas Territory. It was his influence which got the Territorial Capital moved from Arkansas Post to Little Rock. During the War of 1812, he commanded units and was brevetted to brigadier general.
Born Peterborough, New Hampshire and was a lawyer in Greenfield, New Hampshire from 1803-1808.
He joined the New Hampshire militia and commanded an artillery unit. His work so impressed General Benjamin Pierce that he recommended him for appointment as a major in the regular U.S. Army.
--Brock-Perry
When I was writing about William Whistler at the Battle of Maguaga, his commander was James Miller.
April 25, 1776 to July 7, 1851.
First governor of Arkansas Territory. It was his influence which got the Territorial Capital moved from Arkansas Post to Little Rock. During the War of 1812, he commanded units and was brevetted to brigadier general.
Born Peterborough, New Hampshire and was a lawyer in Greenfield, New Hampshire from 1803-1808.
He joined the New Hampshire militia and commanded an artillery unit. His work so impressed General Benjamin Pierce that he recommended him for appointment as a major in the regular U.S. Army.
--Brock-Perry
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
George Washington Whistler on West Point Notables Site
From the USMA West Point site.
Considering the number of officers who have graduated from the United Stats Military Academy at West Point, the fact that George Washington Whistler is on a short list of notables is very impressive.
This list includes many Civil War generals on both sides (Robert E. lee in 1829, George Meade in 1830, William T. Sherman in 1840, Thomas Jackson 1846 and U.S. Grant in 1843), Jefferson Davis, 1903's Douglas MacArthur, 1907's Hap Arnold, 1909's George S. Patton and 1915's Omar N. Bradley and Dwight Eisenhower.
There is a short write up on each notable. G.W. Whistler's: "Eminent civil engineer, chosen by the Czar of Russia to build a railroad from Moscow to St. Petersburg."
--Brock-Perry
Considering the number of officers who have graduated from the United Stats Military Academy at West Point, the fact that George Washington Whistler is on a short list of notables is very impressive.
This list includes many Civil War generals on both sides (Robert E. lee in 1829, George Meade in 1830, William T. Sherman in 1840, Thomas Jackson 1846 and U.S. Grant in 1843), Jefferson Davis, 1903's Douglas MacArthur, 1907's Hap Arnold, 1909's George S. Patton and 1915's Omar N. Bradley and Dwight Eisenhower.
There is a short write up on each notable. G.W. Whistler's: "Eminent civil engineer, chosen by the Czar of Russia to build a railroad from Moscow to St. Petersburg."
--Brock-Perry
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
What About 1775 and American Independence?
From the History Channel site.
When the initial battles of the American Revolution were fought in 1775, few colonists wanted independence form Great Britain. Those who did (Sons of Liberty and Patriots) were considered radical. By the middle of the following year, however, many more colonists, especially in New England, were in favor of independence.
On June 7, 1776, the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia. Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies' independence.
A heated debate was held and the vote postpones. But a five-man-committee was appointed to draft a formal statement justifying a full break with Great Britain (Independence).
Members were Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York.
--Brock-Perry
When the initial battles of the American Revolution were fought in 1775, few colonists wanted independence form Great Britain. Those who did (Sons of Liberty and Patriots) were considered radical. By the middle of the following year, however, many more colonists, especially in New England, were in favor of independence.
On June 7, 1776, the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia. Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies' independence.
A heated debate was held and the vote postpones. But a five-man-committee was appointed to draft a formal statement justifying a full break with Great Britain (Independence).
Members were Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York.
--Brock-Perry
William Howe, Member of Inventive Family
From Wikipedia
I looked up William Howe, whose bridge design I discussed in the last post.
He is listed under William Howe, architect.
Born May 12, 1803, in Spencer, Massachusetts. Died September 9, 1852. American architect and bridge builder, famous for patenting the Howe Truss design for bridges.
He learned carpentry and construction at an early age and put those to good work.
His whole family was quite inventive. His brother Elias Howe patented the first viable sewing machine. His other brother, Tyler Howe, invented the box spring bed.
William Howe founded the Howe Bridge Works in 1840.
In 1840, he was engaged to build a railroad bridge across the Connecticut River in Springfield, Massachusetts.. It was taken down in 1855.
--Brock-Perry
I looked up William Howe, whose bridge design I discussed in the last post.
He is listed under William Howe, architect.
Born May 12, 1803, in Spencer, Massachusetts. Died September 9, 1852. American architect and bridge builder, famous for patenting the Howe Truss design for bridges.
He learned carpentry and construction at an early age and put those to good work.
His whole family was quite inventive. His brother Elias Howe patented the first viable sewing machine. His other brother, Tyler Howe, invented the box spring bed.
William Howe founded the Howe Bridge Works in 1840.
In 1840, he was engaged to build a railroad bridge across the Connecticut River in Springfield, Massachusetts.. It was taken down in 1855.
--Brock-Perry
The Howe Truss Bridge
OK, I realize these next two posts are a bit off of the War of 1812, but are of general history interest to me. You never know what you are going to find when you start researching.
From Garrett's Bridges site.
Back on June 30th, I mentioned that George Washington Whistler had introduced the Howe Truss Bridge to Russia.
What is a Howe Truss bridge?
It was designed by William Howe in 1840 and used mostly wood in its construction and was very good for use in longer spans of bridges.
It is considered one of the best designs for railroad bridges back in its day.
There are still many Howe Truss bridges in the northwestern part of the United States.
--Brock-Perry
From Garrett's Bridges site.
Back on June 30th, I mentioned that George Washington Whistler had introduced the Howe Truss Bridge to Russia.
What is a Howe Truss bridge?
It was designed by William Howe in 1840 and used mostly wood in its construction and was very good for use in longer spans of bridges.
It is considered one of the best designs for railroad bridges back in its day.
There are still many Howe Truss bridges in the northwestern part of the United States.
--Brock-Perry
Monday, July 3, 2017
Getting To Know Whistler's Father
From the June 2014 Smithsonian Magazine.
There is an interesting article in it titled "Getting To Know Whistler's Father" by Jeff MacGregor.
He writes "Whistler's mother is a superstar. But the painter's dad has languished in obscurity -- until now."
--Brock-Perry
There is an interesting article in it titled "Getting To Know Whistler's Father" by Jeff MacGregor.
He writes "Whistler's mother is a superstar. But the painter's dad has languished in obscurity -- until now."
--Brock-Perry
George Washington Whistler's Grave
From Find-A-Grave.
I wonder whi he might have been named after?
Born May 19, 1800 in Allen County, Indiana,. where his father, John Whistler, was commandant of Fort Wayne. Died April 7, 1849, in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Stonington, Connecticut, New London County.
--Brock-Perry
I wonder whi he might have been named after?
Born May 19, 1800 in Allen County, Indiana,. where his father, John Whistler, was commandant of Fort Wayne. Died April 7, 1849, in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Stonington, Connecticut, New London County.
--Brock-Perry
Sunday, July 2, 2017
George Washington Whistler-- Part 5: Legacy
In 1830 they joined the Baltimore and Susquehanna Railroad and later others. He went to Russia, where he died unexpectedly and evidently his body was returned to the United States as he is buried in Stonington, Connecticut.
LEGACY
Stone arch bridges he built in 1841 are still carrying trains in western Massachusetts..
He also was the first civil engineer in the United States to use contour lines to show elevation and relief on maps.
--Brock-Perry
LEGACY
Stone arch bridges he built in 1841 are still carrying trains in western Massachusetts..
He also was the first civil engineer in the United States to use contour lines to show elevation and relief on maps.
--Brock-Perry
Saturday, July 1, 2017
George Washington Whistler-- Part 4: Got Involved With Railroads
From 1821-1822, he was Assistant Professor of Drawing at West Point.
In 1822 he was reassigned to the artillery corps and was with the commission tracing the international boundary between Lake Superior and Land of the Woods.
In 1827, his brother-in-law and fellow engineer, William Gibbs McNeill, became a member of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Even though he was still on active duty, Whistler also joined in 1828. He went with McNeill and Jonathan Knight to England to study railroad engineering as Britain was in the forefront of this new mode of transportation.
--Brock-Perry
In 1822 he was reassigned to the artillery corps and was with the commission tracing the international boundary between Lake Superior and Land of the Woods.
In 1827, his brother-in-law and fellow engineer, William Gibbs McNeill, became a member of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Even though he was still on active duty, Whistler also joined in 1828. He went with McNeill and Jonathan Knight to England to study railroad engineering as Britain was in the forefront of this new mode of transportation.
--Brock-Perry
George Washingtom Whistler-- Part 3: U.S. Military Career
He was born in 1800 at the military outpost at Fort Wayne (Indiana) where his father, John Whistler, was commandant.
Appointed to the USMA at West Point, he graduated in 1819 and was commissioned second lieutenant in the Corps of Artillery.
He served at topographical engineer at Fort Columbus in New York City from 1819-1821. This fort was originally called Fort Jay but the name was changed to Fort Columbus in 1806. During the Civil War, Confederate Major General W.H.C. Whiting died here, the highest Confederate officer to die in a northern prison. I have written about him a lot in my Civil War Naval Blog, Running the Blockade.
When the U.S. Army reorganized in 1821, he became second lieutenant in the First Artillery.
--Brock-Perry
Appointed to the USMA at West Point, he graduated in 1819 and was commissioned second lieutenant in the Corps of Artillery.
He served at topographical engineer at Fort Columbus in New York City from 1819-1821. This fort was originally called Fort Jay but the name was changed to Fort Columbus in 1806. During the Civil War, Confederate Major General W.H.C. Whiting died here, the highest Confederate officer to die in a northern prison. I have written about him a lot in my Civil War Naval Blog, Running the Blockade.
When the U.S. Army reorganized in 1821, he became second lieutenant in the First Artillery.
--Brock-Perry
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