NYS Museum launches War of 1812 website

The State Museum has launched a new website to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and highlight New York's key role in a conflict that some consider America's second war of independence.

The U.S. declared war on Great Britain 200 years ago this month over issues that included sovereignty and trade. Over the next two years, the western and northern fringes of New York along the shores of lakes Erie, Ontario and Champlain and the Niagara and St. Lawrence rivers were at the center of much of the fighting.

The new website has been created by the State Museum, Archives and Library in coordination with museums, historic sites, re-enactors' groups and other organizations across New York and Canada. The site includes a timeline, biographies and links to resources.