Posted on Aug 28, 2014
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We're a few days removed from the 200 year anniversary of the burning of the White House, but I read a very interesting article about the man behind the act, Maj Gen Robert Ross, and his direct involvement with the penning of the Star Spangled Banner. Also, when he died, they embalmed him in a cask of rum. Sounds like a pretty awesome way to head on over to the other side. Please sound off on this and any other knowledge you have on a commonly overlooked war in American history.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-28897646
Posted in these groups: White house logo White House3e0c493c War of 1812
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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Very interesting article!
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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Edited 10 y ago
This is one of the most inspiring tellings of the tale of the Star Spangled Banner's origin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaxGNQE5ZLA
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After 5 years of living outside of Baltimore, I finally went to Ft. McHenry earlier this year, and its pretty awe inspiring to think that that tiny little fort was able to hold out against the world's strongest navy at the time.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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I love places like that PO1 (Join to see) We have Fort Adams right here in Newport and I've been to FT William Henry in upstate NY some years back. that's where the real history is, off the beaten path.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
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In 1815 Andrew Jackson was charged to defend New Orleans with 4000 militia, regulars, and civilians against an advancing army of 10,000 red coats. He was steely eyed as his motley crew of defenders built fortifications. Sometimes it's the simple things that contribute to the outcome of a battle. The British marched for days wearing heavy wool uniforms in the Louisiana summer heat and humidity, a few soldiers succumbed to experiencing heat injuries and all must have felt dehydrated.

The British divided into 3 forces for the attack, but one unit failed to bring the requisite ladders. This ill fated mistake destroyed the synchronization of the three bodies of the British forces. They were in the open and American rifleman who were well dug in shot effective volleys. Two of the British generals were shot which led to further chaos and contributed to an overwhelming victory for the Americans.
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