The War of 1812

2014-08-28T20:59:39-04:00

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

Robert Ross: The NI man who started the White House fire 200 years ago - BBC News

Sunday marks the 200th anniversary of the Burning of Washington, and the instrumental role played by a County Down man.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 28 at 2014 9:13 PM

2014-08-28T21:13:03-04:00

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

Star Spangled Banner As You've Never Heard It

A story of how our national anthem came to be. Sorry about the typos in the anthem. I was asked by someone to put a video together for this audio and upload ...

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 28 at 2014 9:13 PM

2014-08-28T21:13:52-04:00

Very interesting article!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 20 at 2018 3:45 PM

2018-08-20T15:45:10-04:00

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.