CONNECTICUT AND THE WAR OF 1812

Edward Baker

New London County Historical Society

Shaw Mansion

11 Blinman Street

New London, CT 06320

edward@newlondonhistory.org

ABSTRACT

The War of 1812 was not some distant event for the people living along the coast of Connecticut. A British blockade of New London harbor was in effect from June 1813 till the end of the war in January 1815. The British Navy owned Long Island Sound and attacked local ships at will. The economy was in shambles and even fishermen were afraid to leave port. While the British never attacked up the Thames River, in 1814 they attacked to the west, in Essex, and then to the east at Stonington.

The bicentennial of the start of this little known, and less understood war is an excellent time to focus our attention on this event that helped to define us as Americans. The War of 1812 was a turning point for Connecticut and the nation, not simply a footnote to our history.

This presentation will attempt to remind scientists why history is important and it will provide some local context for your visit to coastal eastern Connecticut.