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History United States

Forts of the War of 1812

by (author) Rene Chartrand

illustrated by Donato Spedaliere

Publisher
Osprey
Initial publish date
Feb 2012
Category
United States, 19th Century, Reference
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781849085762
    Publish Date
    Feb 2012
    List Price
    $28

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Description

When war broke out between the United States and Great Britain in 1812, neither side was prepared for the conflict, as evidenced by their respective fortifications. The most sophisticated and modern fortifications were those built by the US Corps of Engineers to protect some of the main port cities. These included Fort Mifflin in Philadelphia, Fort McHenry in Baltimore and Castle William in New York. The British also heavily fortified their main harbor at Halifax and their main center of power at Quebec. However, elsewhere, especially in the interior, fortifications were old, neglected or only hastily erected. The forts at Detroit and Mackinac were much as the British had left them in 1796. This book covers all of the main fortifications of the conflict, those that faced the crashing of guns and those whose intimidation played a part in the grand strategy of the war.

About the authors

René Chartrand was born in Montreal and educated in Canada, the United States and the Bahamas. A senior curator with Canada's National Historic Sites for nearly three decades, he is now a freelance writer and historical consultant. He has written numerous articles and books including almost 20 Osprey titles and the first two volumes of ‘Canadian Military Heritage’. Also a student of wines, he currently lives in Hull, Quebec, with his wife and two sons.

Rene Chartrand's profile page

Donato Spedaliere's profile page

Editorial Reviews

“Both the British and American forts along the Niagara border area are included with illustrations of the layout of these forts that are usually lacking in many books. A number of interesting plans of the various forts are included making this a good account of the fortifications involved in the war.” —J.E. Kaufmann
“...a powerful addition to any US or military history holding.” —James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review (August 2012)