The United States declares war on Great Britain, driven by trade restrictions, impressment of American sailors, and territorial expansion.
General William Hull invades Canada
July 12, 1812
General William Hull invades Canada from Detroit, marking the beginning of hostilities.
Fort Michilimackinac surrenders to British-Canadian forces
July 17, 1812
Fort Michilimackinac, located in present-day Michigan, surrendered to British-Canadian forces without a fight. The capture of the fort was crucial to British control of the Upper Great Lakes region and boosted the morale of their Native American allies.
British forces bombard Detroit
August 15, 1812
British forces, led by General Isaac Brock and Native American leader Tecumseh, bombard Detroit. The bombardment weakened American control in the region and set the stage for General Hull's eventual surrender.
General Hull surrenders Detroit
August 16, 1812
General Hull surrenders Detroit and his army to British forces. Hull's decision to surrender was seen as controversial and resulted in his court-martial, where he was convicted of cowardice and neglect of duty.
The USS Constitution defeats the HMS Guerriere
August 19, 1812
The USS Constitution, an American frigate, defeats the British frigate HMS Guerriere in a naval battle. The Constitution's success in this engagement earned it the nickname "Old Ironsides" and boosted American morale.
British-Canadians win the Battle of Queenston Heights,Ontario
October 13, 1812
The Battle of Queenston Heights, in Ontario, results in a British-Canadian victory. British forces, led by General Isaac Brock, successfully repelled an American invasion of the Niagara Peninsula. However, Brock was killed during the battle.
Skirmish at Fort Erie
November 27, 1812
The Skirmish at Fort Erie occurred between American and British forces near the U.S.-Canada border. The engagement resulted in a British victory, but it was a minor event compared to other battles during the war.
USS Constitution defeats the HMS Java
December 29, 1812
The USS Constitution defeats the British frigate HMS Java in a naval battle. The victory demonstrated the strength of American naval power and reinforced the Constitution's reputation as a formidable warship.
Great Britain declares war on the United States
January 9, 1813
Great Britain declares war on the United States, formalizing the ongoing conflict. The British government was preoccupied with the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, but sought to assert its position against American expansionism.
American forces seize Frenchtown, Michigan
January 18, 1813
American forces seize Frenchtown, Michigan. General James Winchester led a force of about 1,000 American soldiers to capture the town. However, they were soon overwhelmed by British forces, and many Americans were taken, prisoner.
The Battle of River Raisin
January 22, 1813
The Battle of River Raisin resulted in a devastating defeat for the Americans. Following their initial victory, the British and Native American forces counterattacked, forcing the Americans to retreat. The River Raisin Massacre occurred when Native American allies of the British killed wounded American soldiers left behind during the retreat.
The Battle of Ogdensburg
February 22, 1813
The Battle of Ogdensburg sees British forces attacking the American-held town of Ogdensburg, New York. The British victory, led by Sir George Prevost, disrupted American supply lines along the St. Lawrence River and weakened the American position in the region.
Oliver Hazard Perry takes command of the flotilla at Lake Erie
March 27, 1813
Oliver Hazard Perry takes command of the flotilla at Lake Erie. Over the following months, Perry oversaw the construction of a fleet that eventually secured American control of the lake, a turning point in the war.
During the Attack on York
April 27, 1813
During the Attack on York (modern-day Toronto), American forces led by General Dearborn capture the city, but General Zebulon Pike is killed in an explosion at a munitions storehouse. The attack results in the destruction of public buildings and the capture of valuable military supplies.
Admiral George Cockburn raids Frenchtown, Maryland
April 29, 1813
A British flotilla under the command of Admiral George Cockburn raids Frenchtown, Maryland. The raid is part of a larger campaign to harass and disrupt American coastal communities, weakening their support for the war effort.
American forces evacuate York
May 1, 1813
American forces evacuate York, and the Siege of Fort Meigs near modern-day Toledo, Ohio, begins. British General Henry Procter and Native American leader Tecumseh led a combined force in an unsuccessful attempt to capture the strategically important fort.
Royal Marines land and burn Havre de Grace, Maryland
May 3, 1813
Royal Marines land and burn Havre de Grace, Maryland. The attack is another example of British forces targeting American coastal towns to demoralize the population and undermine the American war effort.
Engagement at Fort George
May 27, 1813
The Engagement at Fort George occurs when American forces, led by General Henry Dearborn and Colonel Winfield Scott, capture the British-held Fort George in Upper Canada (present-day Ontario). The victory opened up the Niagara Peninsula to further American advances.
Battle at Sachets Harbor
May 29, 1813
The Battle at Sackets Harbor unfolds as British forces, led by Sir George Prevost, unsuccessfully attempt to capture the American naval base at Sackets Harbor, New York. The American defenders, under General Jacob Brown, repulsed the attack, preserving a crucial naval base on Lake Ontario.
The USS Chesapeake is captured by the British frigate HMS Shannon
June 1, 1813
The USS Chesapeake is captured by the British frigate HMS Shannon during a naval engagement off the coast of Boston. American Captain James Lawrence is mortally wounded and dies days later. His dying command, "Don't give up the ship," becomes a rallying cry for the U.S. Navy.
The Engagement at Stoney Creek
June 6, 1813
The Engagement at Stoney Creek results in a British victory over American forces, who were attempting to advance deeper into Upper Canada. British forces, led by Colonel John Harvey, launched a night attack, surprising the Americans and forcing them to retreat.
The Battle of Craney Island
June 22, 1813
The Battle of Craney Island sees American forces, led by Brigadier General Robert B. Taylor, successfully defending the island against British forces. The British aimed to capture Norfolk, Virginia, but their defeat at Craney Island halted their plans.
The Battle of Beaver Dams
June 24, 1813
The Battle of Beaver Dams takes place in present-day Thorold, Ontario, when a force of Native American warriors, led by Mohawk Chief John Norton and Laura Secord, an American-born woman living in Canada, ambush and defeat American forces. The victory stalls the American advance in Upper Canada.
The Burning of Hampton, Virginia
June 25, 1813
The Burning of Hampton, Virginia, occurs when British forces under Admiral Sir George Cockburn attack and burn the town. The raid is part of a larger strategy to intimidate and demoralize the American population.
The Battle of St. Michaels
August 10, 1813
The Battle of St. Michaels is fought when British forces unsuccessfully attempt to capture the fortified town of St. Michaels, Maryland. American defenders repel the British attack, preventing further British advances in the region.
The Attack on Fort Mims, Alabama
August 30, 1813
The Attack on Fort Mims, Alabama, sees the Red Stick faction of the Creek Nation, led by William Weatherford, launch a surprise attack on the fort, killing over 250 American settlers and soldiers. The attack galvanizes American forces to confront the Creeks in the Creek War.
The Battle of Lake Erie
September 10, 1813
The Battle of Lake Erie is a pivotal naval engagement between the British and American forces on Lake Erie. American naval commander Oliver Hazard Perry achieves a decisive victory, securing American control of the lake and opening the way for an invasion of Upper Canada.
The Battle of the Thames
October 5, 1813
The Battle of the Thames takes place near present-day Chatham, Ontario. American forces, led by General William Henry Harrison, defeat British and Native American forces, led by General Henry Procter and the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh. Tecumseh is killed during the battle, dealing a severe blow to the Native American alliance with the British.
Andrew Jackson establishes a camp at Fayetteville, Tennessee
October 7, 1813
Andrew Jackson establishes a camp at Fayetteville, Tennessee, to recruit American forces to combat the Red Stick Creeks in Alabama. Jackson's successful campaign against the Creeks would later lead to his election as the seventh President of the United States.
The Engagement at Chateauguay
October 26, 1813
The Engagement at Chateauguay sees British and Canadian forces, led by Lieutenant Colonel Charles de Salaberry, successfully defending the Chateauguay River against an American invasion. The battle is a significant setback for American plans to conquer Montreal.
The Battle of Crysler’s Farm
November 11, 1813
The Battle of Crysler's Farm occurs when British and Canadian forces, led by Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Morrison, defeat American forces, led by General James Wilkinson, near present-day Morrisburg, Ontario. The battle halts the American advance toward Montreal.
The Battle of Autossee
November 29, 1813
The Battle of Autossee, part of the Creek War, is fought between American forces under General John Floyd and Red Stick Creeks in present-day Macon County, Alabama. The American victory results in the destruction of the Creek village of Autossee.
The Capture of Fort Niagara
December 19, 1813
The Capture of Fort Niagara occurs when British forces, led by General Gordon Drummond and Colonel John Murray, launch a surprise attack and capture the American-held fort. The capture of Fort Niagara opens the way for British raids into New York State.
Winfield Scott Promotion
March 19, 1814
Winfield Scott Promotion: Winfield Scott, a talented American military officer, is promoted to Brigadier General at the age of 27, making him the youngest general in the U.S. Army at the time.
Engagement at Horseshoe Bend
March 27, 1814
The Engagement at Horseshoe Bend is fought between American forces led by General Andrew Jackson and the Red Stick Creeks in present-day Alabama. The American victory effectively ends the Creek War and leads to the Treaty of Fort Jackson.
Napoleon’s Abdication
April 4, 1814
Napoleon abdicates and is exiled to Elba off the coast of Tuscany. With his removal from power, Great Britain can now focus its attention and resources on the war in America.
Capture of Fort Erie
July 3, 1814
American troops under Major General Jacob Brown cross the Niagara River and capture Fort Erie, which marks the beginning of the Niagara Campaign of 1814.
Battle of Chippawa
July 5, 1814
The Battle of Chippawa, part of the Niagara Campaign, takes place between American forces led by General Jacob Brown and British forces led by General Phineas Riall. The American victory marks a turning point in the war, as it demonstrates the improving capabilities of the U.S. Army.
Treaty of Greenville
July 22, 1814
The Treaty of Greenville is signed between the United States and various Native American tribes, including the Wyandot, Delaware, and Shawnee. The treaty aims to secure peace along the western frontier of the United States.
Battle of Lundy’s Lane
July 25, 1814
The Battle of Lundy's Lane, one of the fiercest battles of the war, occurs near Niagara Falls between British and American forces. Both sides suffer heavy casualties, and the battle ends without a clear victory.
Peace Negotiations Begin
August 8, 1814
Peace negotiations between the United States and Great Britain begin in Ghent, Belgium.
Treaty of Fort Jackson
August 9, 1814
The Treaty of Fort Jackson is signed between the United States and the defeated Creek Nation, ending the Creek War and forcing the Creeks to cede 23 million acres of land to the United States.
Stonington Raid
August 9-12, 1814
The Stonington Raid occurs when British naval forces attack the coastal town of Stonington, Connecticut. The town's defenders successfully repel the British assault.
Arrival of British Reinforcements
August 14, 1814
General Robert Ross, in command of a reinforcement consisting of 4,500 veteran British troops, arrives at the Chesapeake Bay.
British Troops Land at Benedict
August 19, 1814
British troops under the command of General Robert Ross land at Benedict, Maryland, beginning their march towards Washington, D.C.
Battle of Bladensburg
August 24, 1814
The Battle of Bladensburg is fought between British forces led by General Robert Ross and American forces led by Brigadier General William Winder. The British victory paves the way for the subsequent Burning of Washington.
Burning of Washington, D.C.
August 24, 1814
British forces led by General Robert Ross and Rear Admiral George Cockburn capture and burn Washington, D.C., including the White House and the Capitol building.
Abandonment of Fort Warburton
August 27, 1814
American forces abandon Fort Warburton (later renamed Fort Washington) to avoid its capture by advancing British troops.
Alexandria Raid
August 28, 1814
British forces raid the town of Alexandria, Virginia, looting supplies and capturing merchant vessels.
Battle of Plattsburgh
September 6, 1814
The Battle of Plattsburgh takes place between American forces led by General Alexander Macomb and British forces led by General George Prevost. The American victory halts the British invasion of northern New York.
Battle of Lake Champlain
September 11, 1814
The Battle of Lake Champlain is fought between an American naval squadron under Master Commandant Thomas Macdonough and a British squadron under Captain George Downie. The American victory prevents the British from gaining control of Lake Champlain and reinforces the U.S. position in peace negotiations.
Battle of North Point
September 12, 1814
The Battle of North Point occurs near Baltimore, Maryland, between American and British forces. General Robert Ross is killed during the battle, and the British are forced to withdraw.
Bombardment of Fort McHenry
September 13, 1814
British naval forces bombard Fort McHenry in Baltimore harbor, but the fort's defenders, under the command of Major George Armistead, repel the attack.
Francis Scott Key’s Poem
September 14, 1814
Francis Scott Key writes the first lines of the poem that would become "The Star-Spangled Banner" after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry and the American flag still flying over the fort.
Battle of Malcolm’s Mills
November 6, 1814
The Battle of Malcolm's Mills is fought in present-day Ontario between American forces and British-Canadian militia. The British-Canadian victory halts the American advance in Upper Canada.
Battle of Pensacola
November 9, 1814
The Battle of Pensacola takes place between American forces led by General Andrew Jackson and a combined force of British, Spanish, and Creek defenders. The American victory secures the Gulf Coast and weakens British influence in the region.
Peace Delegates Reconvene
December 1, 1814
Peace delegates from the United States and Great Britain reconvene in Ghent to continue negotiations.
Hartford Convention
December 14, 1814
Delegates to the Hartford Convention meet in Hartford, Connecticut, to discuss grievances against the U.S. government and consider secession from the Union.
Treaty of Ghent
December 24, 1814
The Treaty of Ghent is signed, ending the War of 1812. Both sides agree to return to the pre-war status quo.
British Ratification of Treaty of Ghent
December 28, 1814
The British government ratifies the Treaty of Ghent.
Hartford Convention Concludes
January 5, 1815
The Hartford Convention, a meeting of Federalist Party delegates from New England states, concludes after discussing grievances against the U.S. government and considering secession from the Union.
Battle of New Orleans
January 8, 1815
The Battle of New Orleans is fought between American forces led by General Andrew Jackson and British forces led by General Edward Pakenham. The decisive American victory is the last major battle of the War of 1812. General Pakenham is killed during the battle.
U.S. Senate Ratifies Treaty of Ghent
February 16, 1815
The United States Senate ratifies the Treaty of Ghent, which officially ends the War of 1812.
Treaty of Ghent Declared
February 18, 1815
The Treaty of Ghent is declared, marking the end of the War of 1812 and restoring the pre-war status quo between the United States and Great Britain.
USS Constitution Engages HMS Cyane and HMS Levant
February 20, 1815
The USS Constitution engages the British ships HMS Cyane and HMS Levant, unaware that the War of 1812 has ended. The American victory adds to the USS Constitution's legendary reputation.
Dartmoor Massacre
April 6, 1815
The "Dartmoor Massacre" occurs at Dartmoor Prison in Devon, England, when British guards open fire on American prisoners of war, killing seven and wounding 32.
Battle of the Sink Hole
May 24, 1815
The Battle of the Sink Hole is fought between American forces and Sac and Fox Native Americans near present-day Missouri. The battle is part of the larger conflict known as the War of 1812, even though it takes place after the Treaty of Ghent.