Honoring the Forgotten Patriots: The General Society of the War of 1812

Though often overshadowed by the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, the War of 1812 was a defining moment in the early republic’s quest for sovereignty and respect on the global stage. To preserve the legacy of those who served in this pivotal conflict, the General Society of the War of 1812 was founded. This patriotic lineage society remains dedicated to honoring the men who fought to defend the fledgling United States against the might of the British Empire—once again.

The War of 1812: A Brief Context

The War of 1812, fought between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815, arose from unresolved tensions following the American Revolution. Chief causes included:

British interference with American maritime trade,
The impressment of American sailors into the British navy,
British support for Native American resistance to American expansion.

Though it ended largely in a stalemate with the Treaty of Ghent (1814), the war forged a renewed sense of national identity. The defense of Baltimore, the burning of Washington, the rise of heroes like Andrew Jackson, and the composition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” all contribute to its enduring significance.

Formation of the General Society of the War of 1812

The General Society of the War of 1812 was founded on September 14, 1814 and re-organized January 9, 1854. The society was Instituted in a joint convention at Philadelphia on April 14, 1894.

The society was modeled after other hereditary and patriotic organizations such as the Sons of the American Revolution and the Society of the Cincinnati, both of which aimed to preserve the memory of military service and civic sacrifice.

The society’s founding members were descendants of men who had served honorably in the military, naval, or civil service of the United States during the War of 1812. Their goal was not only to recognize their ancestors’ service but also to raise public awareness about a war that was, even then, slipping from the nation’s collective memory.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the General Society is clearly defined:

“To perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men who fought to defend the rights and freedoms of the United States during the War of 1812.”

Its objectives include:

Identifying and honoring veterans of the War of 1812,
Preserving documents, artifacts, and sites associated with the war,
Educating the public about the causes, events, and outcomes of the conflict,
Supporting historical research, publications, and scholarship,
Promoting patriotic values and civic engagement.

The society also participates in commemorative ceremonies, grave marking, and memorial dedications, particularly around bicentennial events and battle anniversaries.

Membership Eligibility

Membership in the General Society of the War of 1812 is open to male descendants of individuals who:

Served honorably in the U.S. military, navy, militia, or civil government during the War of 1812, or
Rendered material aid to the U.S. war effort between June 1812 and February 1815.

Eligibility requires documented proof of both lineage and the ancestor’s qualifying service. Sources may include:

War Department and Navy records,
State militia rolls,
Pension and bounty land records,
Service certificates,
Contemporary newspaper articles or public documents.

Female descendants often join the United States Daughters of 1812, a parallel lineage society founded in 1892 with a similar mission and eligibility criteria.

Activities and Contributions

The General Society is active on both national and state levels. It organizes or supports:

Grave marking ceremonies for War of 1812 veterans,
Placement of historical markers at battlefields, forts, and naval sites,
Educational outreach through publications, lectures, and commemorative events,
Collaborations with historical societies, schools, and military organizations.

The society also maintains a national archive of accepted ancestors, application files, and historical research. Many state societies publish newsletters or maintain local war memorials.

Notably, the General Society was involved in bicentennial commemorations of the War of 1812 from 2012 to 2015, marking major events such as the burning of Washington and the Battle of New Orleans.

Organizational Structure

The General Society is governed by a Governor General and a General Council, with state societies across the U.S. operating under its charter. Each state society elects its own officers and oversees member activities in that region.

The national organization holds triennial meetings, rotating among historic cities, where members gather to share research, conduct society business, and honor their shared heritage.

Notable Ancestors and Members

Many of the men honored by the society include:

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry – Hero of the Battle of Lake Erie,
Major General Andrew Jackson – Victor at the Battle of New Orleans,
William Henry Harrison – Future U.S. President and military commander in the Northwest,
Winfield Scott – U.S. Army general who would later serve in the Mexican-American War and the Civil War.

Modern members of the society have included military officers, historians, genealogists, and civic leaders.

Conclusion

The General Society of the War of 1812 ensures that the sacrifices and stories of America’s early 19th-century patriots are not lost to time. By connecting descendants to their ancestors and supporting education and preservation, the society keeps the memory of the War of 1812—and its enduring legacy—alive for future generations.

If your ancestry leads back to a soldier, sailor, or patriot of the War of 1812, this society offers a meaningful way to honor their service and connect with a community of fellow descendants.