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War of 1812 Collections at The Filson Historical Society

The sesquicentennial of the American Civil War has garnered well-deserved attention, including several collection essays in Ohio Valley History. However, the nation is also in the midst of another observance: the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Often called “America’s Second War of Independence,” the War of 1812 witnessed, as any war does, acts of heroism and cowardice, violence and compassion, and stirring victories and humiliating defeats. The Ohio Valley and Old Northwest became a major theater of operations in the war, and when British forces threatened New Orleans, Kentuckians rushed south to help repel the invaders. Kentucky troops answered the nation’s call in greater numbers and suffered more casualties than any other state. Countless reports, letters, newspapers, and other sources documented the conflict. Much of this documentary heritage has been lost over the years but fortunately much has also been saved in collections of institutions such as The Filson. Through the years The Filson’s War of 1812 materials have grown into an important source for researchers. The war began before its official declaration in June 1812. British impressment of American seaman, the infamous Leopard affair, the embargo, and growing tensions on the frontier between Native Americans and settlers all edged the United States toward war with Great Britain. The loudest voices calling for war and the defense of American honor came from the War Hawks, a group of young congressmen from the South and West led by future national leaders such as Kentucky’s Henry Clay and South Carolina’s John C. Calhoun. Months before the declaration of war, Clay believed conflict inevitable, writing an associate on January 18, 1812: “I do not entertain a doubt that we shall have War before the termination of Tenskwatawa or The Prophet (1775-1836), from Thomas Loraine McKenney and James Hall, History of the Indian Tribes of North America . . ., 3 vols. (Philadelphia: J. T. Bowen, 1848-1850).