North Carolina in the War of 1812-- Part 1

From the December 12, 2012, Goldsboro (NC) News-Argus "War of 1812 focus of talk at museum" by Josh Ellerbrock.

James Greathouse of Fayettevile asked the crowd at the Wayne County Historical Society,  "What's the first thing you think of when it comes to the war of 1812 and North Carolina?"  They were silent, which did not surprise the presenter.  Greathouse currently serves as a member of the North Carolina 1812 Bicentennial Commission and this is a problem they are trying to overcome.

Hey, even ask most people to name five things about the War of 1812 and you might get the USS Constitution, "Star-Spangled Banner,"  Francis Scott Key, the burning of Washington, DC, and maybe the Battle of New Orleans.  The war is often referred to as "The Forgotten War."

The fighting during the war took pace far from state soil, but there were some important people who came from North Carolina.

Probably the nest-known would be Dolley Madison, whose husband James, was president at the time.  Some Americans even went so far as to call it "Mr. Madison's War" as it was unpopular in some areas, especially New England which even threatened to secede from the United States.  Where have we heard that before?

Dolley, a North Carolinian,  is known for saving the portrait of George Washington when Washington, DC, was burned.  She also did a lot to get backers for her husband.  Her "Squeezes" (parties) at the White House were highly attended social balls.

Taking It to Carolina.  --Brock-Perry