The General Society of the War of 1812
GSW1812 HistoryGSW1812 ConstitutionGSW1812 Bylawshe General Society of the War of 1812 was founded on September 14, 1814. It traces its origins back to the huge number of American militia companies which were called to meet the British thrust at Baltimore following the British occupation and burning of Washington DC in 1814.
But as you may remember, the Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8, 1815, a few months later, and was the final major battle of the War of 1812. There, American forces, with General Andrew Jackson in command, defeated an invading British Army intent on seizing New Orleans and America’s vast western lands. The Treaty of Ghent had previously been signed on December 24, 1814, but any news of that peace would not reach New Orleans until February 2015. So our society was actually formed before the last battle was fought and before the treaty was signed. It was later formalized with an act of Congress in 1854.
The General Society is a confederation of highly autonomous State Societies, all of which conform to the General Society’s constitution and bylaws. All State Societies maintain the same membership admission requirement: each applicant must show proof that he is a descendant of a War of 1812 veteran – not really that hard to do for those that are interested.
The objectives of our Society are straight-forward:
Collection and Preservation of Useful Documents
This includes the preservation of rolls, records, books and other ducuments relating to the War of 1812.
Caring and Marking of Patriot Graves of 1812 Veterans
This includes locating, cleaning, restoring the graves of 1812 patriots and recognizing their service to our nation
Research and Preservation of Historical Data
This includes the preservation of historical data and memorials to patriots of that era in our national history.
Fostering True Patriotism and Love of Country
This includes the cherishing, maintenance and extension of the institutions of American freedom.
TBD
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit.
TBD
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit.
TBD
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit.
TBD
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit.
GSW1812 Logo / Seal
