War of 1812

Often called the second war of American independence, the War of 1812 shaped the young nation’s identity and future. Learn how battles along the Atlantic Coast, Great Lakes, and frontier expanded the conflict deep into the interior. Explore pivotal events such as the burning of Washington, D.C., and the defense of Fort McHenry that inspired our national anthem. Hear the story of Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans fought after the war officially ended. Finally, discover how the Treaty of Ghent secured U.S. borders and how a region in western Illinois became known as the Bounty Lands.