List of War of 1812 Bicentennial facts for kids

The War of 1812 Bicentennial was a special time from 2012 to 2015 when Canada and the United States remembered the War of 1812. A bicentennial means a 200th anniversary. During these years, many events and activities took place to honor the people and events of this important war.

Remembering the War of 1812

A bicentennial is a way to celebrate something that happened 200 years ago. The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain (which included Canada at the time). Remembering historical events helps us learn from the past and understand how our countries grew.

Canada's Commemorations

The Canadian government made the War of 1812 Bicentennial a big national event. They wanted to make sure everyone remembered the war's importance to Canada's history. Many groups across Canada helped organize events.

• The Canadian Heritage department played a key role.
• In Ontario, groups like the Niagara 1812 Legacy Council and the Ontario Historical Society planned activities.
• New Brunswick also had a special committee to organize commemorations.

United States' Commemorations

Unlike Canada, the U.S. government did not create one big national group to plan the bicentennial. A law to create a "War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission Act" did not pass in 2006. However, many different organizations and states still held their own events.

U.S. Military Remembrances

The U.S. military, especially the Navy, had its own ways of remembering the war. This was important because the Navy played a big part in the conflict.

• The U.S. Navy had a special commemoration for the bicentennial and the Star-Spangled Banner.
• The Naval History and Heritage Command shared information about the war.
• A project called Preserve the Pensions! worked to put all the War of 1812 pension files online. This helped people learn about the soldiers who fought.

State and Local Events

Many U.S. states that were involved in the War of 1812 organized their own bicentennial events. These events often focused on battles or important moments that happened in their area.

• Illinois had a Bicentennial Commission and a War of 1812 Society.
• Indiana remembered the war, especially around Vincennes.
• Iowa planned events at the old Fort Madison site.
• Kentucky had a Bicentennial Commission to organize activities.
• Louisiana held a big event to remember the 200th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans in January 2015.
• Maryland had a Bicentennial Commission and a "Star Spangled 200 Celebration." This celebrated the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner during the war.
• Michigan also had a commission to commemorate the bicentennial.
• New York state governors vetoed bills to create a formal commission, but local groups still held events.
• North Carolina had its own War of 1812 Bicentennial efforts.
• Ohio had a Bicentennial Commission.
• Virginia had groups like the James Madison Center and a state commission working on commemorations.
• Washington, D.C. also had a Bicentennial Commission focused on "Building Heritage Bridges."