Customer Reviews

Terror on the Chesapeake: The War of 1812 on the Bay

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Christopher George has written a fine short study of the War of 1812 on Chesapeake Bay. Its main contribution is in the new material he has found concerning some of the British participants, particularly that of General Ross who was killed in the Battle of North Point. George has made good use of personal correspondence as well as official documents and makes the dramatic events of those days come alive. He has also done his best to skewer some of the myths and distortions of fact that have developed over the years, as seen in his five appendices. This book is recommended for all readers who have an interest in the history of the Chesapeake region and for others who need to be reminded of how desperate things were for those citizens left without an effective defense along the shores of the bay for two long years.

The War of 1812 is often overlooked in school and popular culture. That is a shame because the author of this book shows that the story of the war, specifically the combat along the Chesapeake Bay, is just as exciting and engrossing as any other story in America's history. Mr. George describes with vigor the humuliating defeats the US experienced (Bladensburg) and the heady triumphs (Fort McHenry) plus everything in between. Aside from the battles, the reader will also come face to face with little known American heroes such as Joshua Barney (a man whose visage deserves to be on a postage stamp as any in US history) and equally as little known British villains such as Admiral Cockburn.

After reading "Terror on the Chesapeake" one will wonder why the heroes, villains, and battles of the War of 1812 haven't received more attention.

Great details on the battles, leaders and units. Well supported with maps and drawings. C. George has not glazed over minor details that military historians want to read about. Recommend you read it with 'Dawn's Early Light" by W. Lord (excellent) and "Burning of Washington" by A. Pitch (OK, touchy-feely). Pitch is good at social and political events and not battle.