Fort McHenry flag
illinois war of 1812 bicentennial commission

FRONTIER WARFARE

soldierThe War of 1812 is often referred to as the forgotten war or the second Revolutionary War.  Some will recall that the poem that later became our National Anthem was written by Francis Scott Key at Fort McHenry, Maryland during a battle of the War of 1812.  

Did you know that the area that is now the state of Illinois played an important role in this conflict?  Click here to read more about Frontier Warfare.

NEW!!! Click here to search for your War of 1812 soldier buried in Illinois.
 

The commission is looking for volunteers to be a part of the Headquarters Ranger Company.  Click here for more information.         

Mission

We are a federally recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to create a series of events simulating those historical events that took place in the Illinois Territory during the War of 1812 era.  We will work with and assist, as needed, any organization planning events elsewhere in the United States and Canada that relate to the story of the War of 1812..

Current Members of the Commission 

William Wilson, Chair  618-248-5885
Linda Rosenthal, Vice Chair
Jim DeGroff, Vice Chair
Julie Worthen, J.D.
Mark Hayden, J.D.
Sandy Nissen, Secretary
Lynn Hargus, Treasurer
Kevin Kaegy, Historian
Lola DeGroff, Webmaster

Carol Wylder
Karen Bauer

Christal Dagit
Brian Garner
John Parkins
Theresa Sanders, Sutler
Greg Parrott
Robert Ridenour
Larry Cooper
Trisha Noack
Roland Harris


Fort Russell Action Committee

*Ken Hanser
*Joyce Williams
*Julie Holt
*Henry Holt
*Kathryn Hopkins
*Pat Mosby
*Mary Westerhold  - chair
*Joe Weber
*Pam Haynes
* Fred Steinkuehler 
*Robert Ridenour 

The committee met in April 2011 with SIU-E research student, Grace Miller of Alton.  Committee was in agreement as to the fort's site.  Aerial photographs provide major key.  SIU-E plans field work in May 2011.

Note:  This site is continually being updated!  Check back often for more news.

Copyright Illinois War of 1812 Bicentennial 2009-2013
Last update April 17, 2013
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