War of 1812

War of 18 12. Bicentennial Peace Garden. , On June 18, 1812 the United States Congress declared that a state of hostilities existed with England. The news of this declaration caused great concern and dread among the settlers of Western, NY. All able-bodied men were summoned to fight and join the militia, leaving only a few behind to manage the crops., The British invasion of Western New York in the middle of winter caused great damage and hardship. , When the British burned Buffalo to the ground in 1813 the American Army retreated to Batavia. "Batavia became the headquarters, the final rallying point, of small remnants of an army, a halting place for the fleeing homeless of the frontier"., The home of Joseph Ellicott, resident agent for the Holland Land Office Company, located directly across the street from this spot, "was converted into quarters for army officers and his office a hospital; private homes, barns and sheds were occupied; families that were separated in the hasty departure from Buffalo became united there". , Batavia also has the distinct honor of providing General Winfield Scott, the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army with shelter while he recovered from serious wounds received in the battle at Lundy's Lane near Niagara Falls. In 1814 the American Army on the Niagara Frontier succeeded in protecting Western New York and gained victories before the war ended in December., Batavia was the site of two arsenals built to improve our defense west of the Genesee River. Both were supplied by then New York State Governor Daniel D. Tompkins. War was coming and our troops needed resources., About the War of 18 12 , . The United States declared war on Great Britain June 18, 1812. This was the first time in history that the United States declared war on another nation. , . The War of 18 12 was an armed conflict between United States and Great Britain from 1812-1814. Contrary to popular belief, it was not a conflict between the U.S. and Canada. , . The causes of the war were trade tensions, impressments, British support for Indian raids and U.S. territory expansion. , . In August of 1814 the British captured and burned Washington, DC. , . The Star Spangled Banner was written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Ft. McHenry by British naval ships. It became the United States' national anthem in 1931. , . Following five months of negotiations, the war was ended by the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in late 1814. , . Word of the signed treaty did not reach the US until weeks later. The Battle of New Orleans, one of the war's bloodiest battles, actually took place after the treaty was signed. , .This war ultimately lead to independence for both the U.S. and Canada, Modeled on the International Peace Garden concept that originated in Canada in 1990, a permanent trail of Peace Gardens have been established along the historic route where events of the War determined the future of Canada, the United States and the fate of many First Nations and Native American people. The garden route covers over 600 miles including USA and Canada This is a cooperative initiative undertaken by the International Peace Garden Foundation, 1812 Legacy Council and its many devoted volunteers., The Bicentennial Peace Garden Trail is designed to attract international visitors as well as residents of this historic region to experience and enjoy the natural beauty that these gardens provide while, commemorating the peace that has existed between Canada and the United States over the past 200 years. Visit 1812.ipgf.org to obtain complete details on additional sites, history,locations and special events This permanent garden has earned the distinction of Honorary International Peace Garden linking it to International Peace Gardens worldwide.