War of 1812

On September 4, 1812, the Siege of Fort Harrison began. It would end 11 days later in the first American land victory of the War of 1812.

Esteemed statesman Henry Clay died on June 29, 1852, after nearly 50 years in politics. Nicknamed “The Great Compromiser,” he orchestrated several important government compromises in the years leading up to the Civil War.

Just 29 years after gaining independence, the United States took on the greatest naval power in the world by declaring war on June 18, 1812, in what would become America’s “Second War of Independence.”

Winfield Scott was born on June 13, 1786, in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. Nicknamed “Old Fuss and Feathers” and the “Grand Old Man of the Army,” he was one of America’s longest-serving military commanders.

James Madison was born on March 16, 1751, in Port Conway, Virginia. One of America’s Founding Fathers and the fourth US president, Madison is considered the “Father of the US Constitution” and led America through the War of 1812.

On March 15, 1938, the Merchant Marine Cadet Corps was established.  Merchant Marines transport cargo and passengers in peacetime and are called upon in times of war to deliver troops and supplies wherever needed.

Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States, was born near Barboursville, Virginia on November 24, 1784.  A hero of the Mexican-American War, he only served 16 months of his time in office.

On September 14, 1716, the first lighthouse in what would become America was lit for the first time in Boston Harbor.  In honor of its long history, it’s the only lighthouse in America to still have a light keeper today.

On September 13, 1814, the American garrison at Fort McHenry was subjected to a massive naval assault that ultimately inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It was a resounding American victory and a major turning point in the War of 1812.