Wilmington was a British target because of the Du Pont powder mills. The war was a boom for that company as it really grew because of the government contracts.
Gunpowder orders soared from 204,046 pounds (2,850 from the government) in 1811 to 519,551 (374,000 from govt.) in 1814.
To protect Wilmington, numerous waterfront fortifications were built from Wilmington to south of New Castle. Three militia units with about 350 men, were sent from Philadelphia. In 1813, the Brandywine Rangers militia unit was established, composed mostly of mill workers.
Lewes' watermen and merchants suffered greatly during the war.
Some Folks Make Big Bucks Off War. --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.
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