The War of 1812 is sometimes called the "Second War of Independence" or the "forgotten war." It was fought until 1815 between the United States and Great Britain. This conflict was caused mainly by the US resentment of British naval harassment. The British were already at war with France. They seized American ships and took seamen from them, some who were US citizens. The British also attempted to keep US ships from reaching French ports.

The War of 1812 could also be called the "war of poor communication." Two days before the declaration of war, Great Britain agreed to repeal the naval laws which were chiefly responsible for the conflict. Speedy communication would have also eliminated the greatest battle, the Battle of New Orleans that occurred 15 days after a peace treaty had been signed.

The United States, still a fledgling country, risked national disaster by again going to war with powerful Great Britain. Support in the US was divided, with the West and South eager for a fight, while the New England regions called for cooler leadership and strongly opposed going to war. As the war continued, this internal division of support became amplified. The Treaty of Ghent ended the war but restored territories to prewar status, and established a commission to settle Northwest Territory boundary disputes. Both sides claimed victory.

The war had many ties to New York State and the Niagara region. Infact, one of the largest battles (Queenston Heights) happened in Canada, right across the Niagara River, near Lewiston. The following websites highlight many of the local links that we have to the War of 1812.